Research Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is part of and contributes to the work of the DPC Cluster. The ESPEN programme focuses on supporting Member States in achieving SDG targets related to the preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs), investing in fostering Member State investments in elimination of five neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy - lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma - in the WHO African Region and in selected countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region, and as guided by the DPC strategic agenda. The vision of the DPC cluster is an African Region where access to health care services at all levels is optimized to provide responses that lead to control, elimination and eradication of targeted diseases, allowing people to thrive in healthy environments, attaining the highest possible standard of health and well-being, through the life course. The goal of the cluster is to drive attainment of relevant SDG targets in the WHO African region. The mission is to build an African Region that is resilient, agile and responsive to the complex requirements of its diverse populations, using an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that fosters cooperation and collaboration to support Member States' investments in disease control and prevention, building healthier populations, using equity-based and people-centred approaches. The cluster strategic directions are as follows: (1) Leadership in coordination, partnership, strategic communication and resource mobilization; (2) Generation of strategic information and knowledge products; (3) Development of WHO technical products, services, and tools; and (4) Country support facilitation and institutional capacity building. The overall objective of the ESPEN programme is to provide leadership and ensure action in Member States towards reducing morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with NTDs. Towards this objective, the ESPEN programme focuses on facilitating integrated, evidence-based, and people-centred approaches.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direction of the ESPEN Team Leader and the direct supervision of the ESPEN Laboratory Head. The incumbent will be expected to undertake the following duties:

1.Support in coordination, partnership, strategic communication and resource mobilization:
• Contribute to the development of laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures and tools for diagnosis of NTDs
• Provide technical support in the designing and/or implementation of operational research studies related to PC-NTD elimination

2.Generation of strategic information and knowledge products:
• Perform O-150 PCR entomological testing of S. damnosum s.l. adults by molecular biology techniques or any novel techniques available in the laboratory, as well as any entomological analyses 
• Document and disseminate best practices and laboratory protocols across national NTD laboratory network.
• Provide technical support for the implementation of various collaborative operational research activities and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and publications

3.Development of WHO technical products, services, and tools:
• Support maintenance of the laboratory databases, develop mapping of laboratory data and entomological surveillance results, and liaise with the ESPEN data team in Brazzaville

4.Country technical support facilitation:
• Contribute to planning and facilitating inter-country and in country-trainings to build capacity of nationals in laboratory analytics of epidemiological, entomological and environmental samples for NTDs. 

5.Provide other related duties as requested by the ESPEN Team Lead.
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First university degree in computer sciences, information system engineering, geographical information system (GIS), Public health, Parasitology, medical entomology
Desirable: Advanced certification in computer sciences, operational and strategic management of microorganisms, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Entomology and laboratory sciences.
 

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 2 years of national and international experience in applied molecular biology, research and development of surveillance tools for onchocerciasis or other priority NTDs in Africa, GIS data transformation for mapping and spatial modeling of onchocerciasis foci.
Desirable: Working experience with WHO and a good publication record on onchocerciasis and other NTDs would be an asset.
 

Skills

• Excellent knowledge of the epidemiology of onchocerciasis (distribution, transmission, the socio-economic impact) and control and elimination strategies in the African Region • A good knowledge of the epidemiology and the control strategies of lymphatic filariasis. • Strong knowledge of GIS and Remote sensing techniques and tools • Ability to perform population analysis of biological specimens for onchocerciasis and other NTDs (vectors and parasites).• Ability to conduct country laboratory needs assessment and coordinate training sessions to build capacity of nationals in NTD related field research, GIS and mapping for onchocerciasis and LF.
 

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of English.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.
 

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 56,046 (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 1789 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.

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