WHO began when our Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day. We are now more than 7000 people working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at our headquarters in Geneva.
Vacancy Notice No: SE/CO/NPO/2016/FT16
Title : National Professional Officer (AMR & Labs)
Grade : NO-C
Contract type : Fixed-term Appointment
Duration of contract : Two years
Date : 14 October 2016
Application Deadline : 4 November 2016 (21 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications
Duty Station: New Delhi, India
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit/field activity (overview of the programme):
WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans in the area of communicable diseases.
The WCO-India programme of work supports the GOI in:
(i) Strengthening the strategic and technical aspects of the WCO-India work in the area of communicable diseases (pursuit of corporate objectives, ensure solid technical advise, follow up and accountability, etc.)
(ii) Ensuring effective
(iii) Improving quality and relevance of work at the service of India as a Member State
(iv) Strengthening transparency through better follow up and evaluation.
Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO:
All the Member States of WHO South East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.
WHO’s Twelfth General Programme of Work (2014-19) focuses on six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related millennium development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv)Implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005. (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.
WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.
The South -East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.2 billion. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems as well as of the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate.
Mission of the WHO Country Office for India:
Within the framework of WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.
Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc) available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization.
In a context of striving towards improved efficiency and effectiveness, strengthened impact of WCO-India on population health and incentives to work horizontally at country level, the incumbent will work under the managerial oversight of his/her First Level Supervisor, Team Leader – Health Security and Emergency Response and within the scope, strategies and directions set by Second Level Supervisor, Coordinator Health Programme. The incumbent is expected to discuss strategic issues and new developments and orientations with supervisors. The incumbent has full responsibility in ensuring delivery of his/her expected results within relevant biennial programme budget and is expected to execute with full accountability the assigned approved workplans. The incumbent must exercise judgment in providing policy interpretation and make strategic and managerial recommendations, including new directions as needed, and to show creativity and imagination in proposing/participating in finding better ways for the development of new partnerships and initiatives and to actively share information and experiences with colleagues.
Available guidelines: WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India and Programme Budget; WHO basic documents; WHO’s General Programme of Work; WHO Manual and Staff Rules; resolutions and decisions of World Health Assembly, Executive Board and Regional Committee; technical documents in the programmes related to his/her responsibility; programme guidelines and National Legislative and Policy documents.
As a member of the WHO Country Office for India team, he/she will closely work with staff working in all other priority areas. The incumbent will maintain good relations and work closely with relevant national authorities and stakeholders as well as development partners. While regularly reporting to his/her supervisors and discussing with him/her approaches and plans, on a day to day basis the incumbent will work autonomously taking appropriate decisions to facilitate the implementation of the relevant work plan and activities.
Contacts inside the Organization: Country Offices in SEAR, HQ, SEARO and other Regional Offices -all relevant Units.
Contacts outside the Organization : Senior Officials of governmental bodies, other UN organizations and development partners, partner agencies and intergovernmental bodies, civil society, think tanks, WHO Collaborating Centres and other scientific institutions or experts.
Description of duties :
Under the overall guidance of the Coordinator, Health Programmes and the direct supervision of Team Leader – Health Security and Emergency Response, with a view to help achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial workplans in accordance with WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India (2012-2017), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:
1. Provide technical advice to the Government of India (GoI) in the area of health security and emergency response with the focus on antimicrobial resistance and public health laboratory network especially for emerging infectious diseases.
2. Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI in strengthening national stewardship, generating policy guidance, development and implementation of the national antimicrobial resistance plan to be aligned with the global action plan.
3. Provide technical support to assist Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in strengthening the antimicrobial surveillance capacity for assessing the burden of antimicrobial resistance by using standardized tool and approach and for providing necessary information for action and advocacy in support of national plan and strategies.
4. Provide technical guidance and support to strengthen prevention and control of infection in health care facilities and assist country in the establishment of the needed infrastructure to support national medicines policy and health services.
5. Strengthen tripartite collaboration between World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to combat antimicrobial resistance and promote best practices to avoid the emergence and spread of antibacterial resistance, including optimal use of antibiotics in both humans and animals.
6. Provide technical guidance to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for strengthening public health laboratory capacities and infrastructure and laboratory network for antimicrobial resistance and other emerging infectious diseases.
7. Provide technical support in the development/utilization of guidelines, standard of procedures, tools, training programme, and other technical documents in the area of antimicrobial resistance and public health laboratory as well as encourage innovation, research and development.
8. Promote the working together of all stakeholders from human and animal health, UN and international agencies, partners, non- governmental organizations, donors and WHO at all levels as necessary to agree on and work towards a coordinated response to antimicrobial resistance as well as experts to strengthen public health laboratory.
9. Contribute to the development of the knowledge, advice and work in addressing antimicrobial resistance with a One Health approach that includes animal, food, environment, education, pharmaceutical, research and other relevant sectors; as well as public health laboratories surveillance and response, efficient alert and response systems, and their relationships with communicable disease causes and risk factors (e.g. water and sanitation, urban environmental quality, including air quality, chemical safety, occupational health, climate change, etc.)
10. Contribute to the development and implementation of the WHO India biennial workplan in the area of health securities and emergencies programmes with the focus on antimicrobial resistance, laboratory network and work in collaboration with Communicable Diseases, Health Systems and other health programmes in the WHO Country Office.
11. Undertake any other duties/responsibilities as assigned by WR India as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: Medical degree, degree in Public Health, Laboratory, Microbiology or related areas.
Desirable: Post graduate degree in Public Health, Laboratory, Microbiology or related areas.
WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/
Skills:
The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization
Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to laboratory services with good understanding of country’s needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of communicable diseases, especially tuberculosis. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas.
Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. Leadership skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and international levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors. Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.
Modern management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.). Capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare and monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements. Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports.
Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.
Competencies:
1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Other IT skills: Excellent knowledge of computer applications; ability to make oral and written presentations on technical issues; and ability to write detailed, coherent, and concise briefing documents.
Experience:
Essential: At least five (5) years working experience to combat antimicrobial resistance or strengthen laboratory for communicable diseases at the national level.
Desirable: Working experience in the UN agencies or International organization.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and knowledge of Hindi.
Additional Information:
- This position is subject to local recruitment and will be filled only by a national of India, willing to relocate within commutable
distance. - Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, child allowance, pension plan and medical insurance.
– Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WHO:
http://www.who.int – To learn more about WHO’s operations
http://icsc.un.org – Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date
Annual salary: (Net of tax) INR 26,54,299/- at single rate
