Communicable Disease Specialist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

It is expected that national programs on communicable diseases with a focus on tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant TB, HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Viral Hepatitis prevention and control in Papua New Guinea are strengthened, and their transmission be reduced by supporting the National Department of Health in the development of a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the Global Strategies andWestern Pacific Regional Frameworks nationwide, in the development of technical guidelines, training materials and implementation tools for tuberculosis, HIV/STI/Hepatitis prevention and care in line with international guidelines and best practices,  by building capacity of the national programs at all levels, by assisting with the preparation of proposals for communicable diseases and primary health care from various sources, and providing support in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the joint projects on both integrated disease programmes and primary health care, by collaborating with international agencies and other partners, by supporting procurement, distribution and quality assurance of medicines and other required supplies, by strengthening surveillance system, implementing electronic information systems, by  advising on operational research needs and implementation as required; and ensuring that information on progress in the implementation of the Global, Regional and National Strategies and relevant activities are shared regularly with all partners.  

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Summary of assigned duties:

1.      Provide technical support to the office in the area of Communicable Diseases ensuring that the activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively through primary health care.

2.      Develop and implement action plans for interventions in high-risks groups and environments and recommend measures for special attention.

3.      Substantively contribute to the development of national strategies and policies through policy advice and guidance on plans of action for improvements in existing health systems and primary health care for prevention and care of Communicable Diseases.

4.      Research, compile and evaluate a variety of data and information related to communicable disease outbreak; identify disease sources and provide recommendations concerning appropriate response to identified risks, and implementation of preventative measures and prepare reports.

5.      Develop improvements and innovate existing information systems on Communicable Diseases and the monitoring of progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) facilitating integration with the national health information systems.

6.      Serve as a technical resource to the public concerning communicable diseases in the country; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related , practices, procedures, issues, and measures.

7.      Develop, implement and conduct a variety of community outreach activities concerning the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases under primary health care; prepare and deliver presentations; compile, develop and distribute related informational materials.

8.      Liaise with national counterparts, donors, development partners (UN and bilateral), and WHO technical departments to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to Communicable Diseases and resolve issues or concerns.

9.      Ensure quality assurance and relevance of contractual engagements with partners and institutions and make recommendations regarding WHO’s support.

10.  Participate as a resource person in training/orientation programmes in the related areas for capacity building.

11.  When delegated represent WHO at various meetings.

12.  All other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master’s degree in medicine or public health. 
Desirable: Training on any of major communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB, HIV/AIDS, STI, Viral Hepatitis. Postgraduate degree in Medicine/Public Health/Communicable Diseases.

 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: At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, with proven relevant international exposure in communicable diseases focusing on tuberculosis, including drug-resistance, HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis surveillance, prevention and care, as well as developing national strategies and action plans for implementing TB and other communicable disease prevention programmes. Within this experience, demonstrated professional experience working at the country and/or regional level providing technical advice and services to national counterparts and other partners on tuberculosis prevention and care and other communicable diseases.  
Desirable: Experience preparing proposals for Global Fund grant and their implementation, monitoring and evaluation in developing countries.
 

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of country's situation with regard to Communicable Diseases, with good understanding of the country’s needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 
• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities. 
• Excellent knowledge of Health and safety regulations. 
• Technical aspects of the field of specialty. 
• Public speaking techniques. 
• Excellent drafting and communication skills. 
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 

• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively;

• Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions;

• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct.
  
   

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
 

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

 Proficiency in Microsoft Office 

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 86,027 (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 3312 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

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

• 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 eManual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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.

• 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 may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

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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.

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