OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Health Systems Development (and Social Determinants for Health) (HSD)Division supports the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) to attain universal health coverage for better and equitable health outcomes. Health systems act as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority and under-served and vulnerable populations. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. In addition, it also promotes community empowerment and participatory governance as a means of integrating equity-enhancing and rights-based approaches as well as addressing the social determinants of health.

The EMT Programme in the HSD Division supports the government to strengthen pharmaceutical systems and regulations, including for traditional medicines, to ensure equitable access to quality-assured, safe, and effective therapies and health technologies, and works alongside other programmes to accelerate the fight against AMR in the country.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under technical supervision of the HSD Division Coordinator and with technical and policy guidance from the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

1. Provide technical support in the development and implementation of relevant strategies, policies and regulations related to essential medicines and medical products, including traditional medicines, in Lao PDR in alignment with the WHO global and regional strategies and other international standards;
2. Support national counterparts in assessing needs and monitoring pharmaceutical situations, and assist in identifying key issues and providing technical assistance in addressing the issues and challenges;
3. Support the national regulatory authorities and relevant institutions under the Ministry of Health in strengthening their regulatory capacity to enhance the quality assurance/control system for medicines and medical products; 
4. Collaborate with other WHO technical teams involved in medicines and medical products issues in the country, including mother and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, immunization and others, and assist in carrying out joint activities that will strengthen national mechanisms to ensure the quality, safety, rational use, safety monitoring and efficient procurement and supply of medicines and medical products;
5. Collaborate with the WHO Health Emergency Team and other relevant programmes to support the national AMR committee to develop, review/update and implement the national strategy, action plan and guidelines on AMR, and monitor and evaluate the implementation oft hem in close coordination with relevant sectors and development partners; 
6. Support the Ministry of Health and healthcare facilities to monitor antimicrobial consumption (AMC), use the AMC data for improved rational use of antimicrobials, and report the AMC data through the regional and global data platforms on AMR;
7. Provide support to the Head of WHO Country Office and the HSD Division Coordinator in the implementation of activities under regular budget and extra-budgetary funded programmes and facilitate coordination with the Ministry of Health, WHOWPRO, WHO headquarters, and funding agencies on relevant issues;
8. Coordinate and facilitate activities for country and international missions and fellowships; and
9. Perform other related duties as may be required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in pharmacy, medicine or relevant health sciences from a recognized university.
Desirable: Postgraduate degree in any of the following fields: pharmacy, relevant health sciences, or public health.

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 two years of work experience in areas relevant to essential medicines and medical products at the national level and/or subnational level of the health sector
Desirable: Experience working with international organizations. Experience in programme management, writing proposals, strategic papers, and/or technical reports

Skills

• Broad knowledge in planning, project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various pharmaceutical programmes. 

• Knowledge in regulatory functions of the national regulatory authorities for medicines and medical products.

• Basic knowledge on AMR and ability to learn.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: 
who-enhanced-competence.pdf

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. Expert knowledge of Lao.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 27,121 (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 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.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• 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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