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Qualifications

Overview of the programme

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving financial protection against health-related risks.

The WHO Country Office for India is supporting implementation research study of the WHO antenatal care (ANC) model in the country and generate evidence supporting its adaptation and implementation across varied health systems.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South – East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste), share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

The mission of WHO India as outlined in the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) is to improve quality of life people in India by supporting the government in accelerating progress on achieving Universal Health Coverage, promote health and wellness by addressing social determinants of health, better protect population against health emergencies and enhance country’s global leadership in health.

Purpose of the assignment

The WHO country office for India seeks an experienced public health specialist or clinician, with experience in maternal health and research, to work as a consultant for its project. The consultant will support the implementation and coordination of a multi country implementation research study of the WHO antenatal care (ANC) model in India. The new evidence-based model, outlined in the 2016 WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience, has been adapted to the country context and will be tested, through an implementation research study. The candidate will have experience in the area of reproductive and maternal health, and in research or training.  The position requires interpersonal, leadership, and communications skills, as well as the ability to monitor and supervise service providers to ensure high-quality research.

Description of Duties:

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic technical support for ANC Implementation research in the assigned state. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, Deputy Head of WHO Country Office for India, reporting to the Team Lead, RMNCH at WHO country office and work under the technical supervision of the National Professional Office (Maternal and Reproductive Health). S/he will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

• In the context of preparing for and supporting the implementation research, the consultant will be responsible for supporting the following activities, in coordination with WHO country office & implementation research partner:
• The individual will work as a part of a team of staff and consultants dedicated to the improvement of global sexual and reproductive health and improving quality of antenatal care
• Facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Health for undertaking necessary administrative and technical approvals for the research activities in assigned state
• Support in obtaining ethical approval for research protocols from necessary national and local entities, including development of monitoring and evaluation tools which the consultant will employ regularly
• Support the team (WHO & implementation research partner) to train health care providers in all research sites and ensure availability of necessary equipment (USG) and supplies, including screening and diagnostic tests (pregnancy, Hb, syphilis, HIV and dipstick) for supporting program activities
• Support efforts to cost all activities related to the implementation research study and the country-specific ANC package of interventions
• Conduct joint supervision and monitoring activities, including providing training to health workers at research sites, as necessary with the implementation research partner
• Ensure supplies and equipment at sites are available and functional and support the coordination of stocks, repair or replacement of equipment with implementation research partner, state government and WHO Country office
• Liaise between MoH, WHO country office and implementation research partner to ensure successful completion of research study activities and project deliverables.
• Support the continued national and WHO ethical processes and ensure that study is conducted in alignment with board’s recommendations
• Support MoH and WHO CO in preparing plans for scale up of the program in respective states
• Any other activities deemed necessary by the consultant’s supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Essential: University degree in medicine or equivalent in related field from a recognized institution/university (MBBS).

Desirable: Post graduation in public health or other allied fields.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions. The list

can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Experience:

Essential: At least one year of professional experience of health policy and programme implementation, research and research management

Desirable: Working experience with intergovernmental agencies at the national and state level will be an advantage.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving Forward in Changing Environment
• Knowing and Managing yourself

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and working knowledge of local language will be an asset. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports.

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration is INR 148,472 @ Step I taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he will be posted at Chennai. The position may require extensive travel (can be upto 15 days in a month) to the project districts.

Additional Information:

• This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and interviews will be used as a form of screening
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• 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 a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
• 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.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• 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.
• Any extension of appointment would be subject to programmatic requirements, performance of the incumbent and availability of funds.
• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.