Technical Officer (Essential Medicines and Health Technology), NO-B, Fixed-term, Suva, Fiji

Contract

This is a NO-B 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-B contracts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Pacific Health Systems and Policy (PHS) team is to support Member States in the Pacific to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes. Health sector development acts as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and underserved population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. A strong health system also promotes appropriate integration of pro-poor, equity-enhancing, gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Team Coordinator (Pacific Health Systems and Policy) and the oversight of the WHO Representative, South Pacific/ Director, Pacific Technical Support, the incumbent will perform following functions:

1. Support Pacific Island countries and areas in the development, reviewing, implementation and monitoring of national policies on essential medicines and health technology (including traditional medicines, laboratory systems and blood safety) with an emphasis on equitable access and quality assurance;
2. Provide support in strengthening procurement and supply management in terms of reliability, efficiency and affordability;
3. Contribute to increasing the capacity of countries in the implementation of regulatory functions, including product registration, pharmacovigilance and market control with improved legal and regulatory framework at national levels;
4. Contribute to the operationalization of subregional initiatives intended to increase capacity and facilitate access to safe, efficacious and quality-assured medical products;
5. Support promotion of rational use of medicines and laboratory services by health care professionals and consumers;
6. Contribute to the implementation of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) related activities;
7. Support Pacific Island countries and areas recognizing traditional medicines system integration where appropriate;
8. Collaborate with Pacific Island countries and areas through Drug Information Exchange for Pacific Island Countries and other means; and
9. Assist in any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine or public health or pharmacy or a related discipline. Desirable: Postgraduate studies and/or training in public health.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of two years' working experience in public health or essential medicines and health technology. Desirable: Working experiences in WHO or other international agencies in the Pacific.

Skills

• Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology, and techniques in public health.
• Significant knowledge and skills in access and regulation of essential medicines and health technology.
• Understand the principles of results-based management and can develop plans, organize resources and take actions to ensure objectives are achieved within realistic timelines.
• Can quickly acquire a thorough working knowledge of essential WHO procedures, policies and rules and regulations that support WHO's presence in countries.
• Ability to work independently, to take initiative.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of professional and personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

Producing results Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communicating in a credible and effective way Moving forward in a changing environment Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Working language of local Pacific languages

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at FJD 92,788 (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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• 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.

· 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.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• 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.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

• 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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