Job at WHO for an NTD National Professional Officer

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda,
setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

WHO is recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: NTD National Professional Officer

Vacancy Notice No: AFRO/15/TASR83
Locations: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Tanzania
Organization Unit: AF/DPC Disease Prevention and Control (AF/DPC) / AF/CDS Communicable Diseases (AF/CDS) NTD
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Duration of contract: One (1) year
Grade: NO-C

Objectives of the Programme

• The objectives of the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected tropical diseases (ESPEN) is to support the accelerated reduction in the burden of the five neglected tropical diseases that are responsive to preventive chemotherapy (5 PC-NTDs) by providing technical support to endemic countries in their efforts to control and eliminate targeted NTDs including morbidity management and prevention of disabilities due to PC NTDs, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation and improving the productivity and quality of life of affected people in the African Region.
• The overall goal of NTD Programme is to contribute to the regional vision of an "African Region free of NTDs" by supporting Member States to establish sustainable national NTD programmes that are capable of achieving the control, elimination and eradication goals of targeted NTDs. Within this context, the 5 PC-NTDs include Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis and Onchocerciasis. Toward strengthening the scale up of PC interventions, ESPEN shall function as the technical arm of WHO/AFRO Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme on PC NTDs, aimed at improving access to timely, high quality assistance for achieving the PC NTD goals for the WHO African Region.

• Support the MoH in the adaptation and implementation of regional NTD policies and guidelines;
• Contribute to planning and resource mobilization for the NTD Programme of the MoH by:
  • Assisting in development of collaborative work-plans with the Government in the area of NTDs and ensure monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of National NTD Master plans and annual plans of action in a timely manner;
  • Mobilising resources for the NTD Programme of the MoH by preparation and review of budget proposals to Government and donors.
• Support the scale up of NTD Interventions, with a focus on preventive chemotherapy (PC) by:
  • Assisting in mapping of PC-NTDs;
  • Contributing to the preparation, implementation and supervision of MDA, case management and other preventive measures for NTDs, such as health education, access to clean water, sanitation and environmental improvement;
  • Promote linkages between the National NTD programme and other sectors essential to the control of NTDs which include the Ministries of Education, Communication, Agriculture, Environment, etc.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of NTD programme interventions by:
  • Assisting in the collection, compilation and analysis of data, and reporting on NTD interventions;
  • Participating in periodic review meetings of the NTD programme;
  • Contributing to evaluation of the performance and impact of the NTD programme interventions such as coverage, transmission assessment and data quality surveys;
• Perform any other duties related to NTDs and ESPEN as assigned by the supervisor.

• Essential: Degree in Medicine with a postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health.
• Desirable: Training in communicable disease prevention, building strategies and approaches; knowledge of neglected tropical disease epidemiology, and practices of bi-lateral and multi-lateral agencies.
• "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 these will be reviewed individually".

• Extensive knowledge and skills in preventive chemotherapy approaches and methodologies;
• Ability to build capacity in various aspects of programme implementation, particularly evaluation of the impact of MDA and conducting transmission assessment surveys for NTDs;
• Ability to establish effective networks and working relationships with people of different nationalities and cultural background.
• Computer skills - Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and data analysis, browsing and information searching on the internet.

• Producing results
• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

• Essential: At least seven (5) years of experience in communicable and neglected tropical diseases-related activities, of which at least three (3) years should be at national or international level.
• Desirable: Working experience with WHO or other international experience would be an asset. A minimum of 3 years of working experience in large public health projects would be an asset.

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other. Working knowledge of Portuguese would be an asset

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of each office. WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), dependency benefits, pension plan, health insurance scheme, and 30 days annual leave.