Team Lead

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness (GIH) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation; and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, GIH develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectoral partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin. The department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through: a) Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact, b) Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies, c) Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership, d) Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

In line with the resolution WHA 74_7 (15) develop a functional Bio Hub system in collaboration with Member States and other stakeholders including developing the relevant documentation and transparent monitoring scheme, securing funding sources, establishing partnerships with other networks and engaging through Memorandum of Understanding with bio Hub facilities.

• Provides technical leadership and managerial support within the Department/Programme, in the area of access to biological material and benefit sharing of live saving interventions (vaccine, diagnostic and therapeutics) during pandemic ensuring that activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Develops and proposes technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Regional and Country Offices, and partners and provides advice in developing further the Bio Hub system.
• Manages the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficient managing a small team of technical staff, financial resources and effective work planning to optimize the programme’s deliverables in line with the mandate of the Organization.
• Leads and conducts research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building in the respective area of work.
• Manages the monitoring and evaluation and reporting on the bio hub system of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.
• Serves as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
• Liaises with and utilizes partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions to develop the bio hub system
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for the bio hub system
• Perform all other related duties as assigned
• Ensure that the Bio Hub system access and benefit sharing practices aligns with international frameworks such as PIP Framework, Convention on biological diversity and Nagoya protocol,

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in medicine, biology, public health, epidemiology, law (with complementary training or experience in public health) related to the functions of the position.
Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the management of complex international public health projects including experience in the area of health policies and strategies. Demonstrated experience managing human in multicultural teams and financial resources. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience in epidemic preparedness and response, experience with WHO or other UN agency in a health related project.

Skills

• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes
• Skills in building consensus across a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Excellent diplomatic skills are essential, flexibility and results oriented.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of 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 90,664 (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 6256 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 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.

• 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.