Technical Officer (Neglected Tropical Diseases), P3, Temporary Appointment 1-year, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Publication date:

    09 July 2024
  • Workload:

    5 – 100%
  • Contract type:

    Unlimited employment
  • Place of work:

    Port

Technical Officer (Neglected Tropical Diseases), P3, Temporary Appointment 1-year, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the programme and of the unit is to reach the most vulnerable individuals and communities with essential health services to control, eliminate, and eradicate endemic NTDs and thus contribute to achieving the vision of Universal Health Coverage.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this position is to implement Communicable Diseases (CD) activities with a focus on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in WHO PNG Country office focusing on control and elimination of NTDs. The position is to support the implementation of interventions and policies that promote the overall area of communicable diseases with a focus on the endemic NTDs that is in line with the WHO CO’s objectives and goals in the area of communicable disease.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Technical Officer Malaria, under the overall guidance of the Head of the WHO Country Office, and in close collaboration with the respective technical lead in the respective regional office and HQ, the Technical Officer will be accountable for the technical guidance, coordination, and support to achieve the targets of the global NTD roadmap (2021-2030) including the relevant target of SDG 3. This entails close collaboration, coordination, and cooperation with central DOH as well as provincial health departments, key technical, implementation, and funding partners in PNG, the regional office and HQ, as well as other stakeholders at sub-national, national, regional and global levels. The incumbent will work closely with the technical lead for communicable diseases with a focus on NTDs in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) and will also liaise with other WPRO divisions, and the relevant units in the NTD department in WHO HQ, as needed. The incumbent will oversee and support the implementation of interventions aimed at control and elimination of NTDs as well as cross-sectoral activities, health and community systems strengthening, and multi-sectoral engagement.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

  • Provide technical input to the work program in the area of Communicable Diseases with a focus on NTDs.
  • Actively participate in the regional meetings and engage with partners to review the NTD situation in PNG and provide necessary data and information to support resource mobilization.
  • Undertake research, on NTDs to facilitate the development and implementation of NTD-related communicable diseases and cross-cutting health programmes and activities.
  • Conduct the implementation of a research agenda on NTDs including promoting operational research on cost effectiveness of community-based interventions for CDs.
  • Monitor work plans and budgets including resource mobilization for the work programme and follow up on the implementation of planned activities.
  • Analyze data of best practices s in implementing NTD prevention, control, and last-mile elimination strategies (including Mass Drug Administration campaigns) and prepare and disseminate information.
  • Conduct capacity building in the area of NTDs.
  • Serve as a technical resource at the counterpart level concerning NTDs in PNG; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.
  • Participate in community outreach activities concerning the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of NTDs within the broader scope of communicable disease interventions to reach the unreached; prepare and deliver oral presentations; compile, prepare and distribute related informational materials.
  • Exchange information with counterparts in technical departments at HQ, Regional and Country Offices, and with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) on implementation of policies and strategies related to communicable disease activities.
  • Review and ensure quality assurance and relevance of contractual engagements with partners and institutions and make recommendations regarding WHO’s support.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in Public Health, Tropical Medicine, Epidemiology, or another similar field from a recognized university.

Desirable: Medical degree with knowledge of the prevention, control, and elimination of NTDs.

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/ .

Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years relevant experience working on Neglected Tropical Disease prevention, control, and elimination with proven relevant international exposure.

Desirable:

  • Experience working in countries with high NTD burden.
  • Field experience in Pacific countries.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:

who-enhanced-competence.pdf

1. Teamwork*

2. Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences*

3. Communication*

4. Ensuring the effective use of resources

5. Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Proficient in standard MS Office software applications. Analytical and Presentation skills.

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 64,121 (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 3249 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.
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  • Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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