Team Lead (Science, Innovation and Research)

Contract

This is a P-5 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 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 172,512 USD and 216,197 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.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Within the World Health Organization regional office for Africa (WHO AFRO), the Assistant Regional Director (ARD) cluster is a newly formed structure. It is designed to perform cross-cutting technical functions by working closely with countries and programme areas across various clusters that support Universal health coverage, Health emergency and Healthier wellbeing. This cluster focuses on essential functions to support WHO and Member States to make evidence-informed decisions. The cluster further supports Member States to achieve better levels of sufficiency in the development of health products such diagnostics, therapeutics and medicines through R&R, Technology transfer and appropriate cooperation arrangements. The Science and Innovation office in the Assistant Regional Director cluster is a newly established office, with the overall objective to lead and facilitate the science agenda to improve the health of populations in the African Region. The Office seeks to facilitate the process of applying science and innovation to achieve impact for people's health in the WHO African Region by: developing, supporting and promoting a regional science agenda and strategy, promoting R&D, collaborating with HQ science division and linking Regional Office ensuring African participation in global initiatives e.g. clinical trials, supporting the establishment of new institutions, working with WHO collaborating centres, Regional Health Institutions, research institutions, academia and other health Agencies. The Science office seeks to promote Science leadership in the region and developing guidance related to evidence, norms, and standards. The goal is to enable countries in the WHO African Region ensure science and product innovation are effectively leveraged to achieve universal access coverage. The Regional office's coordinating role for science is especially important in ensuring that access to new therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines under development is equitable and that they are available to all who need them. More specifically, the Science and Innovation office will focus on coordinating Science activities for the African Region using all available platforms. Setting the science and R&D agenda to address gaps, emerging areas, and country priorities in collaboration with other teams in ARD and other clusters Strengthening confidence in science, Foresight in identifying emerging technologies, by striving to stay ahead of the curve, understanding what is needed to improve health for all in the future, and where the best new ideas are emerging. Leveraging and upscaling product innovations for better health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be expected to perform the duties and responsibilities below: Lead the Science, Innovation and R&D Unit and coordinate the development of regional Science and Innovation and R&D policies, strategies, programmes and activities in collaboration with other WHO technical clusters, and partners, in an integrated manner for member state to strengthen their innovation systems to make them responsive to the innovation needs of the African Region. Coordinate activities related to science, R&D, product development, manufacturing, technology transfer in the region; Support efforts by member states seeking to develop science and innovation systems .Support and coordinate the regional R&D agenda in the region including by building capacity across the region and leveraging global best practices and technology Support initiatives to develop innovative products and procedures for enhancing Africa's capacity to develop tools and products. Support the mobilization of resources and support the development of business cases for investment to scale up health innovations Conduct high level advocacy and policy dialogue and establish/strengthen partnerships Support the regions efforts to coordinate stakeholders and work with partners Promote public understanding, advocacy and awareness in this area including for increased domestic and international resources. Proactively support report writing and documentation Provide policy guidance to the cluster, on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies related to science, technology, innovation research and development and intra and inter-divisional/departmental policies and procedures. Facilitate technology transfer, innovation and Intellectual Property in the development of science and innovation including through North - South and South South collaborations. Support the Cluster Director in communicating the achievements and results of the work of the Science and Innovation programme; in collaboration with the COM and PBM Units. Provide expertise and technical advice to the Regional Director, the Cluster Director and Senior Management in the areas of science, innovation and R&D. In close collaboration with the ARD, lead the clusters transformation responsibility on coordination and integration. Develop and manage the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Science, Innovation and R&D work plans and budgets within the framework of the WHO Staff Rules and Regulations, financial rules and AFRO accepted procedures, while promoting integration of similar interventions in the unit. Provide leadership to and manage the staff under their responsibility; ensure their performance, continuous development and engagement, promoting a culture of working across boundaries, while promoting the principles of integrity, equity, efficiency and value for money, and a respectful workplace in accordance with the Organization's policies, rules, procedures and values. Support the ARD cluster in establishing measurable and result oriented outcomes and deliverables that are in line with the organizations goals. Promote a productive work environment respectful of the Code of Conduct with zero tolerance for verbal and physical abuse or discrimination against other persons on the grounds of race, colour, sex or creed. Oversee the supervision of staff members, which includes the implementation of workplans, mentoring & training and enforcement of internal procedures and controls. Contribute to resource mobilization for the ARD Cluster's programmes, including but not limited to drafting proposals and proactively participating in resource mobilization campaigns in collaboration with other technical clusters, EPG and WCOs. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in biomedical sciences, public health and related discipline. Desirable: Training and knowledge of science, innovation systems, public health systems and needs for research and infrastructural systems for science development.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years' experience in positions related to science portfolios, product development and product innovation. Experience in developing similar science agendas and programmes. A proven record and an understanding of the African region science landscape including work experience in academia or institute involved in science/R&D work. Experience in organizational performance, functional analysis and stakeholder engagement is required. Desirable: Experience in developing national or international science and innovation programmes. Knowledge of processes and product development pipelines and experience in developing a science programme and planning for science and innovation needs in a competitive and rapidly changing environment.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of scientific and technological advancements, complemented by expertise in developing and implementing national or international science and innovation programmes. Proven track record in writing, documentation and establishing effective reporting mechanisms and systems of evidence-based results and progress made; Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write and produce technical documents in a clear and concise manner; Proven negotiating and interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics; Strong skills in resource mobilization and partnerships Strong partnering skills, with the ability to work across all levels of the organization and multiple countries, effectively.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Driving the Organization to a Successful Future Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English or French with a working knowledge of the other. Desirable: The above language requirements are interchangeable.

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 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3918 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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

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