Systematic Reviewer (Tumours Classification)

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 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 cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France.

The Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume of WHO Classification of Tumours, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests.

Gaps exist in the process of translation of research findings into practice and this is compounded by the sheer volume of research information produced each year. Scientific information also must be of high quality to be of use. The translation of cancer research into diagnostic practice is largely in the hands of its users, and it could be achieved through incorporation into the WHO Classification of Tumours. The International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research was established by the IARC WCT with several international partners to bring cancer research institutions together to improve research quality and to meet the need for evaluation and synthesis of research findings. IC3R aims to promote evidence-based practice in Pathology and to set standards for tumour classification and cancer research with harmonization to underpin successful translation of cancer pathology research into WHO tumour classifications and clinical practice. IC3R will also provide a forum to coordinate evidence generation, synthesis, evaluation, and standard-setting for tumour classification worldwide.

WCT EVI MAP project aims to provide an overview of the existing research evidence of the WHO classification of Tumours, showing gaps, identifying pockets of low-level research evidence, and to develop a tool that gather existing research evidence and synthetize reliable research evidence to inform future WHO classification of Tumours editions. The project is funded through an EU HORIZON Grant and was initiated on 1st July 2023.

WHO Classification of Tumours series (WCT) used by pathologists and cancer researchers worldwide is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) through the WCT programme at IARC. The objective of the WCT programme is to improve the classification of tumours for diagnosis, epidemiology and cancer research. WCT is responsible for the preparation and publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series (WHO Blue Books), which are the international standard of histopathological and genetic classification of human neoplasms.

· IARC provides a timely, definitive synthesis and evaluation for tumour classification based on expert consensus review of reproducible peer-reviewed published evidence.

· The WHO Blue Books provide the user with a unique synthesis of histopathological diagnosis with digital and molecular pathology to guide cancer diagnosis. This underpins individual patient treatment, as well as research into all aspects of cancer causation, prevention, therapy, and education.

· The WHO Blue Books are available in multiple formats to meet the needs of users in low-, middle- and high-income countries.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of WCT, and the general guidance of the IARC director, the incumbent has the following duties.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Provide support for evidence evaluation required to produce the WHO Blue Books.

2. Specific tasks include:

a. Manage the IC3R programme of research, through interactions with IC3R partners worldwide

b. Manage and provide scientific guidance in collaboration with external partners to the EVI MAP project.

c. Coordinate and guide IC3R and EVI MAP staff within the WCT in the ESC branch

d. Participate in the production and management of the WHO Blue Books, particularly in the assessment of evidence for changes in tumour classification. This will include the design of systematic review protocols, extraction and critical appraisal of data, and presentation of findings at scientific meetings.

e. Participate in editorial board meetings as an IARC observer, with particular emphasis on evidence assessment.

f. Assist contributors in developing their content for the WHO Blue Books, including assessment of evidence.

g. Work with editorial staff within IARC to ensure the accuracy of the WHO Blue Books.

h. Assist in the production of high quality online content for the WHO Blue Books.

3. Develop research in tumour classification using systematic review methodology.

4. Contribute to systematic review support within IARC for existing research groups. This may include:

a. Advise groups within IARC on research needs relating to systematic reviews, including pre-analytical and analytical methods.

b. Development of own research, while focussing efforts on the classification of cancer

5. Train Pathologists and others in systematic review methodology and practice to underpin the use of evidence-based pathology in the classification of cancer

6. Assist in the training of junior staff, including visiting pathology fellows within WCT/ESC and more widely within IARC.

7. Attend relevant training(s) to stay abreast of WCT/ESC enhancements and developments

8. Mobilise research funding from competitive sources through development of grant proposals.

9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

WHO COMPETENCIES

· Communication

· Teamwork

· Technical Expertise.

· Creating an empowering and motivating environment

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: PhD in Medicine, biology, public health or related discipline.

Desirable:

· Masters of science in systematic review methodology.

· Postgraduate degree in biomedical research (e.g. Masters, MD, or PhD)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 5 years’ experience in research and evidence-based medicine, part of which is in systematic review preparation at an advanced level related to cancer diagnosis, and management.

Desirable:

· Additional years of experience in related field.

· Research and teaching experience in systematic review methodology.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Expert knowledge of English with at least a basic level of French.

OTHER SKILLS (e.g. IT)

Knowledge of Microsoft 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 64,121 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3,013 per month for the duty station indicated above (subject to change). 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.