Director, Health Products Policy and Standards (HPS)

Geneva, Switzerland
negotiable Expired 2 years ago
This job has expired.

JOB DETAIL

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Access to Medicines and Health Products (MHP) Division works with Member States and partners to improve the access to safe, quality assured, efficacious and affordable medicines and health products and to promote that these are used rationally. In line with the GPW 13 strategic priorities and to achieve greater country impact, the HPS Department works with the Regulation and Prequalification (RPQ) Department in the MHP division in the wider framework of access to medicines and health products and Universal Health Coverage and cooperates with the disease-oriented programmes (among others HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, NCDs and mental health, reproductive health and maternal and child health, immunization) and health systems oriented programs such as Primary Health Care. The department works with a wide range of UN organizations, international partners, expert networks and WHO Collaborating Centres.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

  • Leads the Department in providing technical expertise to Member States and other Stakeholders with guidance and technical data required for the development, implementation, and monitoring of national and/or global policies and programmes on access to medicines and health products.
  • Provides the overall leadership, management accountability, and direction of the Department in delivering its objectives through managing and galvanizing a diverse workforce and financial resources to optimize the department deliverables and mandate.
  • Provides senior level technical advice and expertise to Senior Management in the area of assigned responsibilities in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area.
  • Directs and leads overall establishment and development of the Department’s evidence-based policies and strategies for roll out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation.
  • Oversees the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the Department’s area of work to ensure development of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to ensure optimal performance of Department deliverables.
  • Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective areas.
  • Promotes the integration of Regional Country Office perspectives and operational capacities into the Department’s programme area of work.
  • Builds strong partnerships and fosters consensus building with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, cutting edge research institutions and other stakeholders in the subject area to politically position the technical area of work and implementation into national and/or global policies.
  • Represents the Organization and Department area of work in a diverse array of global fora to position WHO as a leader in the global health community.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in medicine, pharmacy or other health science, plus post-graduate training (Master or PhD level) in a health science, or public health, or (health) economics or management
Desirable: Formal training in public health issues, i.e. epidemiology, statistics, monitoring/evaluation, or health economy issues.

Experience

Essential:

  • At least 15 years of experience in managing access to medicines and health products policies and regulations, of which at least five years relevant experience at senior international level and at least five years at senior level with a national level authority.
  • Experience in interacting with high-level government, multilateral and bilateral agencies and funding partners, in supporting national ministries in assessing gaps to access to safe, efficacious, affordable and quality assured medicines and health products and developing options for policy and strategy development to address these.
  • Experience in working with recognized international expert groups, networks and associations in the relevant subject matter.
  • Experience in advocacy and resource mobilization with the international funders’ community, including other UN agencies, development organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
  • Experience in working with quality management programmes, initiatives and tools.

Desirable:

  • Experience of managing programmes and staff in a matrix environment.
  • Experience at country level in a low or middle-income country in a national institution in either public health and of working with civil society organizations.
  • Experience of working in the international system and demonstrated knowledge of working in or with WHO.

Skills

  • Strong skills in the areas of developing and establishing polices and strategies.
  • Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
  • Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.
  • Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media.
  • Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
  • Globally-respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in medicines and health products issues at the national, regional and global levels.
  • Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of another UN Language.

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 117,280 (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 8210 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.
  • This selection may be subject to Special Selection Procedures.
  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  • A written test 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.
  • 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 for WHO jobs.
  • 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 [email protected]
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
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Geneva, Switzerland

location

This job has expired.