Technical Officer for blood safety, organ and tissue transplants

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

This UNV assignment is part of AFRO’s project/flagship programming initiative etc. Within the context of the Universal Health Coverage Life Course (UHC/LC) Cluster and the Medicines Supply, Health Infrastructure, Equipment Maintenance (MIM) Unit, the blood safety and organ and tissue transplant provides specialized advice to: (i) develop, implement, monitor and evaluate policies and regulatory frameworks, strategies and plans for blood and other medical products of human origin (MPHO); (ii) address blood and other MPHO issues and improve their availability, quality and safety; (iii) achieve universal access to safe blood and blood components for transfusion as well as to organs and tissues for transplantation as part of the 2030 agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of MIM Team Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Technical Officer for blood safety, organ and tissue transplants will provide support to countries to: 1. Develop policy, strategic plans and legislation for blood and other medical products of human origin (MPHO); 2. Establish national regulatory systems for blood and other MPHO to execute the effective regulatory oversight needed to ensure the implementation of quality standards; 3. Develop sustainable blood donor and organs donation programmes to increase access to safe, effective and quality-assured blood products and other MPHO; 4. Develop and implement quality system including screening strategies for Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), blood grouping and histocompatibility to improve quality and safety of blood and other MPHO; 5. Develop and implement guidelines on the rational use of blood and other MPHO as well as national vigilance systems including training of clinicians. 6. Develop and implement educational programs in National blood transfusion services (NBTS) and organ transplantation services. 7. Monitor data collection and management to inform NBTS and organs transplantation services development. 8. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Medicine, pharmacy, or area related to other clinical health professions and a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.