NPO (Research, Innovation in Tuberculosis)

Contract

This is a NO-A contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 1 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-A contracts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The WHO Country Office for India collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) to actively support the development, implementation and evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of communicable diseases and comorbidities through strengthening public private partnership policies and health systems.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO:

WHO's mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii)health-related sustainable development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; and (vi)addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.4 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.4 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage. The WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2025) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages; achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

In the context of the General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating for public health. The CCS identifies ending TB as the key priority area and is a flagship programme for the South-East Asia Region of WHO.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the Team Leader, Communicable Diseases, and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer, Labs, the incumbent will be responsible to carry out the following activities:

• Support the WHO's mandate, on research and Innovation and independently and along with other team members identify critical areas to supported including a needs assessment, landscaping of research priorities, context setting, stakeholder consultations and develop a workplan for effective implementation of the same.
• Closely coordinate with NTEP and liaise with other government departments, non-government organizations, WHO CCs and other relevant technical partners/stakeholders for ensuring coordinated planning and execution of research and innovation while maintaining efficient communication to members, setting agenda, preparing and managing meetings, reports, following progress of tasks.
• Support NPO (Labs) in working across all three (3) levels of WHO for effective support to the member state for coordinated priority setting, identifying research priorities and innovations.
• Map ongoing as well as planned TB-related research activities and develop and update research priority agenda on a regular basis.
• Coordinate and support collaboration between research institutions and key research stakeholders and identify and promote areas for further cooperation.
• Support to implement, monitor introduction of newer diagnostic technologies that have been evaluated globally. Co-ordinate with the network of laboratories capable of participating in future evaluation and demonstration studies.
• Coordinate and facilitate studies on TB drug resistance, whole genome sequencing, health technology assessments, new diagnostic tools, new molecules etc. Facilitate implementation of continuous surveillance for drug resistance.
• Support in facilitating dissemination of the results of research and their translation to evidence-based policies and programmatic implementation via relevant fora and mechanisms.
• Document the funding gaps in research and share with potential funding agencies, bilateral and multilateral organizations.
• Coordinate, Support and broker information sharing with Research organizations like ICMR, DBT, DST (full forms) and Medical Colleges for synergizing the research projects and use of the same for improving health related indicators.
• Provide support in promoting innovations for development of new algorithms, integrated implementation arrangements and models of care for effective service delivery through primary health care for patient support systems including universal access to health care, social protection, addressing social determinants and seamless integration of ICT platforms.
• Provide guidance and mentoring of relevant health staff for capacity building, development of training materials/ guidelines, standard operating procedures for research methodologies including laboratory-based research and methods.
• Ensure implementation of all activities related to research and innovation and periodically report on them as required.
• Work closely with all partners and represent WHO in meetings, conferences, and national /State level meetings for effective coordination in cross cutting areas.
• Undertake any other duties, tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in life sciences (all disciplines)

Desirable: Post-graduate and/or PhD in life sciences (all disciplines/interdisciplinary)

Experience

Essential: At least one (1) year experience working with national TB programme with relevant knowledge of research priorities on TB.

Desirable: Any one or more of the following:

• Three (3) years of experience in working with multilateral or bilateral organisations in field of TB programme with experience in supporting research and innovations at country level.
• Three (3) years of experience in supporting research projects in TB and evaluation of research protocols. Work experience on IPC/HAI networks.

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written an spoken English

Desirable: Knowledge of Hindi or other Indian languages

Skills

• Effective communication skills with ability to clearly articulate complex issues.
• Technical leadership skills and ability to work with persons with diverse ethnic and cultural background.
• In depth knowledge on research issues and innovations with a working knowledge on research methodologies, publication standards and evidence-based policy making.
• Sound understanding of scientific publications including WHO publications/Guidance documents.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Updated knowledge on new concepts, research, innovations, and technology.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 1,889,386 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (
• https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to
• reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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