Technical Officer Essential Medicines

Qualifications

Purpose of the position:

Within the overall framework of the Medicines, Diagnostics, Infrastructure and Health Technologies (MDI) Programme, the purpose of this position is to lead and coordinate WHO's work in the African Region in improving the availability of, and equitable access to, quality-assured and affordable medicines and health products towards the improvement of supply systems which contribute to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Activities include providing guidance and technical support to countries for planning, implementing, and monitoring of national strategies and plans for essential medicines and health products, monitoring, and evaluation assessments, disseminating evidence-based results, and coordinating the implementation of WHO essential packages to support capacity building and transformation of pharmaceutical systems for the universal access to essential medicines, with a special focus on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) These facilitate the advancement of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and other related processes, while supporting collaborations and partnerships in health policy Development.

Objectives of the Programme:

The overall objective of the MDI Programme is to support Member States in the WHO African Region to improve the availability of, and equitable access to, quality-assured and affordable medicines, health products, and health technologies, health infrastructure and equipment towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. The Programme achieves this by developing implementing, and monitoring evidence-based policies, strategies and plans[1]to ensure sustainable access by Member States to essential health products, technologies, health infrastructure and diagnostics, prioritizing cost-effective best practices. It strengthens the capacity of Member States, through guidance and specialized technical assistance, to: (i) strengthen regulatory systems for quality-assured medicines and other health technologies, blood safety and organ transplant services, products,  health infrastructure and diagnostics, including market surveillance for quality, safety and performance; (ii) In collaboration with concerned units, conduct coordinated researching line with public health priorities for the improvement of access to health technologies, including efficient management of intellectual property rights; and (iii) address non-communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance by strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, awareness raising and evidence-based policies and practices in collaboration with the NCD team, disease control programmes, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Unit. The Programme also advocates and strengthens partnerships for increased resource mobilization, investments and coordinated support for actions towards improved access to medicines and other health technologies, blood safety and organ transplant services, health infrastructure and medical equipment, including enhancing regional and sub-regional mechanisms and structures such as the African Medicines Agency. The goal is to enable countries in the WHO African Region to ensure evidence-based policies and strategies are in place to achieve universal access to high-quality, integrated, health services, increase the coverage and quality of effective interventions, and to create mechanisms to measure the impact of those strategies and interventions.

Description of the Duties:

Provide guidance for WHO's work on access to essential medicines and health  products in the African region, with a focus on NCDs; Guide countries,  Regional Economic Communities (REC) and other sub-regional organizations to generate reliable information on R&D, Selection, Pricing, Financing, Procurement and Supply management, Quality Assurance and Use of essential medicines as well as trends in their availability and  affordability; Coordinate the related platforms, support countries, RECs, and other sub-regional organizations in implementing joint activities, including pooled  procurement initiatives, harmonization of pharmaceutical practices, and local manufacturing; Define and coordinate implementation of WHO essential packages to support capacity building and transformation of pharmaceutical systems for the universal access to essential medicines in the WHO African region, in line with WHO resolutions and plans; Provide technical support to countries for planning, implementing, and monitoring  of national strategies and plans for essential medicines and health products; Promote communication  and partnerships within WHO and externally with national and subregional officials, organizations, institutions, agencies, and other stakeholders, including  representatives of multi- and bilateral agencies and sub-regional organizations involved in access to quality assured, essential medicines,  and health products; Support networks, harmonization initiatives and convergence of pharmaceutical practices at subregional and continental levels, including the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization initiative and the African medicines Agency; Identify, develop, and strengthen strategic partnerships, including resource mobilization and  advocacy strategies, in close collaboration with countries and RECs; Promote donor coordination at country and regional levels, and provide advice and guidance to partners on advocacy strategies, work plans, and their implementation; Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation assessments and disseminate  evidence-based results, supporting ethical and evidence-based policies and  decision making; Collaborate with, and support countries in the development and implementation of best practices for he above; Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for management and other colleagues as required.

Recruitment Profile

Competencies
WHO Competency model: http://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1  
1.    Teamwork*
2.    Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences*
3.    Communication*
4.    Producing Results
5.    Driving the Organization’s position in Health Leadership

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English or French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of the other. 

The above languages requirements are interchangeable.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrate knowledge of policies, strategies, guidelines and protocols on essential medicines, development, and management of lists of essential medicines based on WHO definitions and standards, complemented by skills in identifying clinical and pharmaceutical best practices, especially in the area of NCDs; Sound knowledge and experience in the analysis and management of medicines and medical products procurement, storage and distribution systems, the development and implementation of appropriate norms and standards, as well as participation documented participation in resource mobilization and advocacy activities; Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to write scientific documents in a clear and concise manner and ability to provide technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners; Proven interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics; diplomacy, tact, and courtesy. 

Education Qualifications

Essential: 
Master's degree in Pharmacy or related field, complemented by training in Management of Medicines and Pharmaceutical Systems.

Desirable: 
Advanced training in Health Management and Planning or in Public Health.

Experience

Essential: 
A minimum of seven years' relevant experience in the field of essential medicines management, analysis, costing and procurement at the national and international levels, with five years' experience in resource-limited countries, complemented by experience in capacity building and/or advising national health authorities on essential medicines.

Desirable: 
Experience in the development of procurement protocols and guidelines on essential medicines for health professionals.

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 3,248 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:

• 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 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.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int .
• 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 post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
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