Scientist

Overview

Coordinate the Human Biomonitoring Study in Ogoniland.

You have:

• PhD in Epidemiology, or any other closely related discipline.
• At least two years of post-doctoral experience in cancer epidemiology or related fields.
• Experience using data monitoring tools and statistical analysis packages for epidemiological research.
• Proven hands-on experience in environmental contaminants of relevance in oil production.
• Proven hands-on experience in fieldwork, i.e. active data and sample collections from participants.
• Proven experience in working with collaborators in low- and middle-income countries.
• Effective communication with internal and external counterparts.
• Knowledge of environmental contaminants related to oil production.
• Excellent skills in data monitoring, statistical analysis, and writing reports.
• Demonstrated skills in manuscript writing and grant application writing.
• Expert knowledge of English is essential.
• Working knowledge of French or another UN official language is an asset.
• Knowledge of office 365 package.

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 57,661 USD and 78,318 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology “ENV” main objective is to identify modifiable cancer risk factors and protective factors to support the IARC vision of a world where fewer people develop cancer.

The position is within the Human Biomonitoring study carried out by ENV in Ogoniland, a region in Southeast Nigeria, investigating the health impacts associated with oil production and the related environmental pollution throughout the region.

The incumbent will coordinate with internal and external counterparts from the inception, through conduct, to the analyses and reporting of the Human Biomonitoring Study in Ogoniland. The main task is monitoring study progress through real-time incoming data, management of data and biological samples, followed by statistical analysis related to the study objectives. The position will allow the ENV Branch to achieve its IARC Medium-Term Strategic Objectives and will give an opportunity to the incumbent to build up a career in environmental cancer epidemiology.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1) Contribute to the Fieldwork Study Protocol of the Human Biomonitoring Study and be responsible for its maintenance throughout the project.

2) Data and material progress monitoring of the Human Biomonitoring Study carried out in Ogoniland, Nigeria.

3) Responsibility to prepare study documents such as permission requests, periodical reports including quarterly progress reports, annual interim reports on achievements, and contributing to the final report and respective scientific manuscripts

4) Lead communication between involved partners, internally to IARC and IARC consultants in Nigeria, partners in Nigeria, and other partners external to IARC, with respective planning, running, and minuting meetings.

5) Liaison to the fieldwork team through regular site visits in Nigeria.

6) Responsibility for statistical analysis of data (cross-sectional data).

7) Assist in related scientific manuscripts of ENV, grant writing, and presentations, as per request by the ENV branch head.

WHO COMPETENCIES

· Producing results.

· Fostering integration and teamwork.

· Communication.

· Building and promoting partnerships across the organisation and beyond.

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: PhD in Epidemiology, or any other closely related discipline.

Desirable: Expertise in environmental contaminants.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least two years of post-doctoral experience in cancer epidemiology or related fields.

Desirable:

· Experience using data monitoring tools and statistical analysis packages for epidemiological research

· Proven hands-on experience in environmental contaminants of relevance in oil production.

· Proven hands-on experience in fieldwork, i.e. active data and sample collections from participants.

· Proven experience in working with collaborators in low- and middle-income countries.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

· Experience in epidemiological fieldwork involving data and material collections.

· Effective communication with internal and external counterparts.

· Knowledge of environmental contaminants related to oil production.

· Excellent skills in data monitoring, statistical analysis, and writing reports.

· Demonstrated skills in manuscript writing and grant application writing.

Desirable: -

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French or another UN official language is an asset.

OTHER SKILLS ( IT SKILLS)

· Knowledge of office 365 package.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 50,377 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2,497 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

· If 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. IARC/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 noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which maybe extended subject to performance evaluation.

· For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

· IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/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.

· IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States https://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/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. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.

· IARC/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 IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/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, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

· IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

· IARC/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 fully express and develop their talents.

· The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

· Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

· Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

Potential interview questions