OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Access to affordable, quality-assured health technologies remains a key priority and mission of the WHO. Addressing this gap is essential to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health by all citizens. WHO through the Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IET) Department is enhancing collaboration with Member States and international stakeholders for developing policies and best practices, strengthening capacity and establishing sustainable mechanisms for improving equitable access to affordable medicines and health products, transfer of technology and development and production capacity that will form the long-term foundation of health security, both in the face of pandemics and in addressing ongoing health priorities. This will be done by fostering synergies with complementary programs within WHO and with other international agencies/partners with same goals/objectives in order to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach. IET will offer a comprehensive range of inter-related services for addressing key areas of work such as pricing, affordability, procurement and supply chain management; the management of Intellectual Property including through the Global Strategy on Public Health, Innovation and IP (GSPA-PHI) and the collaboration with WTO and WIPO; the specialized technical assistance to manufacturers including through the WHO World Local Production Forum (WLPF) as a platform for building consensus and collaboration, the workforce development through the WHO Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Initiative, the large-scale dissemination of know-how and platform technologies through the multilateral technology transfer model that characterizes the mRNA technology transfer programme, and the newly launched Health Technology Access Programme (HTAP) that provides an adaptable, overarching framework and process for securing, sharing and expanding the manufacture of technologies that address important access gaps.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of ADG/MHP, the incumbent will carry out the following duties in line with the described purpose of the position above: Generic duties:

• Ensures effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department and/or the specific programme managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives through managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and peer communities to optimize the department’s financial resources, deliverables and mandate.
• Leads the Department in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for dissemination and implementation in Regional and Country Office programmes.
• Provides highest level technical advice and expertise to Management in the respective area of work in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area of work.
• Leads the establishment and development of the Department’s evidence-based policies and strategies for roll out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation.
• Ensures the management of the monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting of the Department’s area of work of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Department deliverables.
• Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective area.
• Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global policies.
• Represent the Department area of work in global fora to position the area of work in the global health community.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• Specific duties: Ensure effective resource mobilization and management of human and financial resources for programmes under his/her direct supervision.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree in medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, health technology and other health or social sciences matters related to the functions of the position.
Desirable: A PhD in public health, health policy, health economics, industrial policy.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 15 years of professional experience in management and ensuring access to medicines and health products or related areas such as product development, product manufacturing, health policy and public health at national and international levels combined.
• Experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision Makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in developing and establishing policies and strategies.

Desirable:

• Strong experience in development of health products and in industrial policies in public or private sector.
• Strong experience in working at international level including in the UN system and in collaborating with countries.

Skills

• Strong skills in the areas of developing and establishing strategies for the implementation in countries.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Strong in-depth knowledge and skills in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners, including private sector, 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.
• Proven leadership skills in management of global governing mechanisms such as working groups, networks, special envoys, interagency groups and technical partnerships.
• Demonstrable skills in promoting global policy, programming and advocacy for the engagement of non-state actors.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Driving the Organization’s Position in Health Leadership
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Intermediate knowledge of 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 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 8544 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

• Special selection procedures may apply.

• 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 E-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 workforce. 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 [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 short-listed candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• 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.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

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

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

• 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 [email protected].

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