Director of Department of Communicable Diseases

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The department of UHC Communicable Diseases is leading the work of WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, control, elimination and eradication of communicable diseases. This includes vaccine preventable diseases and immunization, malaria and integrated vector borne diseases, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis and STIs, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention and control and public health laboratories.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Lead and direct the regional advisers in a PHC for UHC approach to the relevant technical programmes, including vaccine preventable diseases and immunization, malaria and integrated vector borne diseases, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis and STIs, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention and control, and public health laboratories.

2. Ensure effective management of human and financial resources for programmes under his/her direct supervision.

3. Promote intra- and inter-Divisional teamwork in planning and management of programmes that work to strengthen actions addressing the Communicable Diseases.

4. Initiate and coordinate capacity building to strengthen the Communicable Diseases functions within the Organization.

5. In the area of communicable diseases, coordinate and maintain liaison with partner agencies within the UN system as well as with other multilateral and bilateral development agencies (including the Global Fund for HIV, TB and malaria, Gavi, the vaccine Alliance and development banks) and WHO Collaborating Centres for reviewing, planning, management and evaluation of sector-wide approaches.

6. Within WHO’s overall policy framework advise countries in the region on taking innovative actions, and harmonize the work of EMRO’s technical units at regional and country levels, as well as with national authorities on follow-up actions on major global conferences, conventions, global and regional declarations/resolutions related to Communicable Diseases.

7. Support the Regional Director and Director, Programme Management as part of the technical secretariat for the WHO governing bodies (World Health Assembly, Executive Board, Regional Committee and the Regional Committee sub-committee and other senior management and advisory meetings.)

8. Serve as a member of EMRO’s senior staff management and other senior advisory bodies, including acting as RD/DPM or other Division directors during their absence when so designated by RD/DPM.

9. Support and coordinate closely with the Member States in their overall efforts to address prevention and control of Communicable Diseases as needed.

10. Work in close partnership with all relevant partners and stakeholders in the EMR countries as appropriate and play a role in resources mobilization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in Medicine or Veterinary Medicine or health sciences.

Master’s Degree or equivalent qualification in public health, epidemiology and/ or health sciences.

Desirable: Doctorate’s degree or equivalent qualification in health sciences.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience with special emphasis on prevention and control of Communicable Diseases, of which 5 years are at the international level with a proven track record in positions that required strong public health leadership of high-skilled professional teams in multidisciplinary settings, and experience in management of multiple and complex health programmes in the area of Communicable Diseases

Desirable: Experience in modern management techniques and in WHO technical programme management.

Skills

– Strategic knowledge of the areas under supervision.

– Leadership qualities including managerial skills to manage staff and budgets.

– Political and diplomatic skills.

– Thorough knowledge of WHO’s mission, goals, policies, rules and regulations.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

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 106,023 (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 3137 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 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• 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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