JOB OPPORTUNITY

Technical Officer – (2402221)

Grade: P5
Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 2 Years
Primary Location: Nepal-Kathmandu
Organization: SE_NEP WR Office, Nepal
Schedule: Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the WHO Nepal Country Office is to implement the Country Cooperation Strategy by supporting the Nepal Government in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of national health policies, strategies and plans and developing and managing WHO’s technical cooperation programmes at the country level. WHO provides guidance and technical support in organizing the humanitarian health response following emergencies and in revitalizing the capacity of the health sector to rebuild and recover from emergencies in appropriate and sustainable ways. The Country Office collaborates with the Government of Nepal and relevant stakeholders in support of their efforts of achieving national health goals; of ensuring the attainment of universal health coverage and of contributing to global and regional public health action by providing need-based technical assistance in national level policy formulation, setting norms and standards, improving knowledge dissemination and management, monitoring country health situation and building sustainable institutional capacity, to play a greater leadership role in different national level policy and technical forums. Within this framework, this specific position will liaise with the MoH’s specific Departments/Divisions and related academic/research institutes for achieving the above mentioned WHO objectives/activities related to communicable diseases at country level. The Communicable Diseases Programme aims at providing technical assistance to the TB, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Hepatitis, NTDs and (as appropriate) other Communicable Disease programmes to strengthen national capacity, to prevent, control and reduce morbidity, mortality, disability & deformity caused by Communicable Disease and to support, surveillance implementation of cost-effective public health and health care interventions and monitoring of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, programmatic & social impact and resource mobilization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of WHO Representative for Nepal and in close technical and administrative collaboration with the Team Leads of WCO Nepal and concerned Regional Advisers of Communicable Diseases and other relevant departments at WHO/SEARO and WHO/HQ, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

Provide technical advice to the MoH in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating activities for prevention, control and monitoring of HIV, TB, Malaria, Hepatitis and NTDs. This includes ensuring high-quality laboratory testing for the relevant diseases and addressing concomitant anti-microbial resistance issues;
Advise MoH on strengthening the epidemiological information component of the national health information system, through the formulation of strategies and practical recommendations for improvements with particular attention to epidemiological surveillance and the development, monitoring and evaluation of programmes for prevention and control of HIV, TB, Malaria, Hepatitis and NTDs;
Provide technical support to the integration/inoperability of vertical surveillance systems for relevant communicable diseases with the existing EWARS and the envisaged integrated disease surveillance system (IDSS) as feasible;
Assist MoH to enhance epidemiological capacity for effective utilization of epidemiological data and information through appropriate analysis, modelling and burden forecasting; and generation of information products and their dissemination for effective use in planning and management of relevant communicable disease control programmes at all levels;
Promote the generation of evidence on relevant communicable diseases through facilitating appropriate operations research and contribute to informed policy decisions by government and provide cutting edge policy advice.
Conduct and regularly update comprehensive stakeholders’ analysis to enhance partnerships and assist the government to effectively coordinate the efforts of key stakeholders for the achievement of envisaged targets and goals;
Collaborate with relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work and support capacity building efforts in these deficient areas to ensure that priorities are fulfilled;
Facilitate the exchange of information on relevant programme areas and assist in developing proposals for resource mobilization and managing & monitoring implementation of donor funds and submitting annual as well as end-of-grant report as per donor requirement;
Contribute in Global Fund liaison and participate in Global Fund CCM, and backstopping WHO representation in inter-agency meetings related to the relevant Communicable Diseases programmes;
In support to the government, provide leadership on strategies/implementation aimed at achieving regional and global goals by the agreed target dates. Take necessary action when targets are at risk of being missed.
Provide technical leadership, mentoring and managerial support to the WHO Country office team working on the relevant communicable diseases, facilitate the development and the implementation of the relevant work plans under the WHO-GoN collaborative programme while promoting the integration of communicable disease control programmes with health systems approaches and ensure the monitoring and evaluation of related activities;
Liaise and coordinate with concerned technical units/departments of MoH, WCO-Nepal, WHO-SEARO and WHO-HQ and with donor and development partners (UN bilateral) to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to the relevant communicable diseases;
Contribute to the management of WCO’s knowledge and policy advise on matters regarding the wholistic integration/incorporation of health service and care interventions for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Hepatitis and Neglected Tropical Diseases in the country’s UHC agenda and the mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the achievement of relevant UHC targets and goals;
Work with relevant government entities and WCO to assist in making program adjustments during the country’s transition towards a federal State, with the aim that the relevant communicable disease programs continue to function uninterrupted and provide services to all levels and areas in the country.
Strengthen technical capabilities of the country for rapid response to outbreaks/epidemics caused by TB, Malaria, Hepatitis and NTDS by:
a. Providing technical advice on new approaches, methodology and procedures deemed suitable for the country;
b. Assisting in conducting/organizing training on outbreak/epidemic investigation and control for the national staff concerned;
c. Assisting in developing an inventory list of i) reference laboratories within the country and the region and ii) trained public health staff in the area of epidemiology and communicable diseases control.
Support the development/adaptation of country contextualized knowledge products prioritized through periodic review of the WCO Contingency/Business Continuity Plan for surveillance, prevention/control of relevant communicable diseases during/post emergencies; facilitate and monitor their appropriate use in public health response in coordination with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme team;
Perform any other task assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Essential: University degree in medicine and post graduate degree in public health, epidemiology and/or control of communicable diseases.
Desirable: Formal specialized training in TB, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Hepatitis and NTDs.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of relevant experience in public health including considerable experience obtained in communicable disease programs in an international context, and in developing countries. Demonstrated experience in leading a team, preferably in a context of Communicable Diseases.
Desirable: Extensive experience in epidemiological surveillance/disease prevention and control. Experience in management of information systems. Experience in health planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation will be an important advantage. Peer-reviewed publications an asset.

Skills

Epidemiological and management experience and skills including the ability to negotiate with national authorities, multi-lateral and bilateral development assistance agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Specialist in health programme management in Communicable Diseases relevant to the priorities.
Proven capability in programme planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and capacity building.
Proven ability in preparation of technical proposals, plans and reports on communicable diseases for donor community and for other international organizations.
Proven ability to work under pressure and multitask.
Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, discretion and diplomacy.
Ability to effectively coordinate with partners/donors and collaborative agencies.
Technical expertise; Overall attitude at work are also required mandatory competencies.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

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 2535 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 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.
Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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.
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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.
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Closing Date: Apr 11, 2024, 3:44:00 AM