Technical Officer Laboratory

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 125,630 USD and 161,973 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 mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover fromoutbreaks and emergencies. Within WHE, this project contributes to strengthening national capacities against COVID-19.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the project “ Strengthening national capacities against COVID-19” and in alignment with the EU contribution agreement, advise and provide technical expertise and operational support to national authorities and partners for a timely response to outbreaks/epidemics and health emergencies, through the introduction of new technologies for managing the laboratory related activities in compliance with the WHO recommended standards.

1. Provide technical expertise and operational support for the introduction and implementation of Rapid Antigen Testing across selected health facilities in the country.

2. Support the strengthening of sequencing capacities through the implementation of next generation sequencing (NGS) which will include Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of COVID-19 and bioinformatics.

3. Design, plan, and organize laboratory strengthening activities including workshops, on-the-job training/adult learning activities in line with project goals and objectives.

4. Liaise, collaborate and coordinate with the project team, and short-term experts /consultants supporting project activities.

5. Maintain regular contacts with the relevant Technical Unit(s) at the WHO Regional for Europe to ensure that the project implementation is consistent with Regional strategies.

6. Support Project Coordinator with maintaining regular contacts with the WHO Country Office in Turkey to ensure that the Project Implementation is consistent with administrative and financial organizational rules, regulations, and reporting requirements.

7. Contribute in strengthening the national capacity at the health laboratories; assess training needs and provide training for laboratory personnel in the related technical areas.

8. Manage the implementation, reporting, performance assessment and evaluation of the approved activities and ensure proper communication with partners as appropriate

9. Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting the response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.

10. Perform any other related incident-specific duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree (Master's level or above) in life science, biomedical science, medical microbiology from an accredited/ recognized institute. Desirable: Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.Training in molecular techniques and next-generation sequencing. Training in Public Health or Public health laboratory practice.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of national and international experience in infectious diseases laboratory science with special focus on, high threat pathogens in diagnosis and/or research including at least 3 years' experience in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Desirable: Expert knowledge in and using molecular technique for rapid typing, thorough knowledge of microbiological, clinical and laboratory surveillance. Proven track record of successfully contributing as an international laboratory science specialist or consultant is an advantage.

Skills

--> Proven ability to develop innovative and appropriate solutions for the improvement of laboratory diagnostics.

--> Sound knowledge in biosafety standards, methodology and techniques in health laboratories, in particular molecular biology and sequencing applied infectious diseases diagnostics and surveillance.

--> Sound knowledge in Quality Assurance for laboratories.

--> Knowledge of bioinformatics applied to genetic sequencing.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Ensuring the effective use of resources Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of an official 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 74,913 (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 1061 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.