World Health Organization AMR Laboratories Recruitment, Apply Online

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 aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable 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; and (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) 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. The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage. The WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2025) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages; achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a good 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 the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate. Mission of the WHO Country Office for India In the context of the General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), 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 for public health. The CCS identifies containment of AMR as a priority focus area and strengthening of labs and AMR surveillance is a priority under the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. AMR is a flagship programme for the South-East Asia Region of WHO. Priorities of AMR-IPC-Labs Team at WCO India The AMR-IPC-Laboratory programme aims to strengthen the national and sub-national capacity for laboratory detection of drug resistant bacteria and laboratory networking for surveillance of AMR, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) and State Action Plans for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (SAPCAR); and strengthen the infection prevention and control (IPC) skills of key stakeholders in healthcare facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of Team Lead (Communicable Diseases) and direct supervision of NPO (AMR, Labs and IPC), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

1. 1. Facilitate and support laboratory strengthening / networking for AMR surveillance at the national and sub-national level.
2. 2. Provide technical support to the state AMR surveillance networks in three states – Maharashtra Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (MAHASAR), Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) and WHO-IAMM Network for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Delhi (WINSAR-D) – and support the development and operationalization of more networks for surveillance of AMR at national level and in states.
3. 3. Provide technical support for trainings on WHONET and lab strengthening for surveillance of AMR.
4. 4. Liaise with key stakeholders to develop and implement activities to strengthen One Health surveillance of AMR.
5. 5. Support the activities of the WCO India Taskforce on Antimicrobial Resistance (WITAR), including One Health strengthening of laboratories and AMR surveillance at national and sub-national levels.
6. 6. Prepare regular technical updates and reports in liaison with other team members to support budget utilization and financial reporting for Lab / AMR activities.
7. 7. Provide hand-holding support and monitor / facilitate the timely achievement of AMR / Lab strengthening / networking / surveillance activities, milestones and expected outputs.
8. 8. Organize periodic review meetings to monitor / evaluate AMR / Lab activities as per the operational plan indicators.
9. 9. Provide regular and timely feedback to the responsible technical officer(s) and supervisors.
10. 10. Work as part of the AMR-IPC-Labs team at WCO India and assist in IPC activities.
11. 11. Support the drafting of technical and IEC resources on AMR, including Sameeksha on AMR.
12. 12. Perform other duties as assigned in the interest of the organization, if needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in Medicine (MBBS) or Microbiology
Desirable: Post-Graduate degree in Microbiology or Public Health

Experience

Essential: At least two (2) years of relevant work experience
Desirable: Work experience on laboratory surveillance networks for AMR

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on laboratory-based surveillance of AMR using WHONET.
• Analytical thinker, skilled in data analysis to produce strategic information for various stakeholders and respond proactively in a changing environment.
• Excellent computer, editing and presentation skills, and experience in drafting reports and proposals.
• Demonstrated competence in managing multitasking a broad range of priorities and foster collaborative relationships with donors / partners, professional associations, civil society organizations and key collaborating institutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Knowledge of Hindi or any other Indian language(s).

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 2,626,256 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.
• 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.
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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