Technical Officer

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,113 USD and 216,746 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

The Department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness (GIH) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation; and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, GIH develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectorial partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin. The department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through:- Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact; - Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies; - Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership; - Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies. The Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (EZD) team develops strategies, guidance, global mechanisms and interventions to address high threat pathogens responsible for epidemics or pandemics thereby reducing their impact on affected populations and limiting their international spread. This team deals with known emerging and re-emerging high threat pathogens such as (i) zoonotic diseases (for example Nipah virus and Hendra virus); (ii) arboviruses (for example zika and chikungunya); (iii) respiratory pathogens (for example COVID-19, MERS and plague); and (iv) bio-risks (for example smallpox).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

1. Support the coordination and management of the global laboratory network including the existing GLAD-HP and its projects.

2. Provide laboratory technical support to the implementation and operations response of outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging diseases and new pathogens.

3. Support real-time monitoring of capacity building efforts for the detection of dangerous and emerging pathogens in countries in WPRO,SEARO, EMRO, and AFRO.

4. Participate in laboratory evaluations, trainings and laboratory capacity strengthening activities.

5. Coordinate the development and distribution of proficiency panel in AFRO, WPRO, SEARO and EMRO and promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHO/WHE/GIH and key partners.

6. Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Masters level degree in medicine, pharmaceutical or life sciences, with a specialization in laboratory sciences. Desirable: Training in epidemiology of communicable diseases. ### Experience

Essential: At least 7 year experience in laboratory practice including at least 2 year experience in international laboratory strengthening projects. Desirable: Experience of work in international organizations. ### Skills

• Knowledge of project management in the area of international laboratory strengthening.

• Knowledge of national laboratory systems including quality systems, especially in resource-limited countries.

• Interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

• Ability to address multitasks and to manage competing demands with tact and discretion. ### WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communicating in a credible and effective way
4. Producing results
5. Knowing and managing yourself ### Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

Intermediate knowledge of WHO language.

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 73,516 (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 5483 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.

• 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.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

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

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.

  • Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.