Technical Officer (Malaria, Vectorborne and other Parasitic Diseases) Grade: P4

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: WPRO/12/FT234 Title: Technical Officer (Malaria, Vectorborne and other Parasitic Diseases) Grade: P4 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract: Two years	Date: 18 June 2012 Application Deadline: 16 July 2012 (21 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station: Honiara, Solomon Islands Organization unit: WP_SLB Solomon Islands (WP_SLB) / WP_SB3 Director, Combating Communicable Diseases (WP_SB3) Malaria and Other Vectorborne and Parasitic Diseases
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : To reduce morbidity and mortality of malaria and other parasitic and vectorborne diseases through the use of appropriate global strategies, social mobilization and multisectoral actions. To strengthen the malaria control programme within the health system based on primary health care. To eliminate malaria in a pilot province by 2014, in coordination with key stakeholders, and scale up later in other parts of the country.
Description of duties: Under the guidance and supervision of the WHO Country Liaison Officer, Solomon Islands, the incumbent will provide technical and operational support to the Head of the Vector Control Unit of the National Vector-borne Disease Control Programme (NVDCP) in all aspects of malaria control and elimination and control of other neglected tropical diseases as well as the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for scaling up and quality control of bed net distribution and Indoor residual spraying (IRS); 2. Planning and implementation for other vector control strategies such as larval control, use of repellents and other strategies based on environmental modification including pipelines; 3. Directly support and provide technical guidance to the Vector Control Working Group; 4. Provide technical support to determine training needs, design and conduct training for Programme staff on vector control; 5. Technical support in coordinating and conducting operational research related to vector control based on priorities set by the programme; 6. Provide technical support for insecticide resistance monitoring; 7. Provide guidance on selection, safe use, storage and disposal of public health insecticides; 8. Technical support on procurement and supply management related to vector control commodities; 9. Technical support on Information, Education and Communication/ Behavior change communication (IEC/BCC) and social mobilization activities related to vector control; 10. Support for the preparation of progress reports as required by the Global Fund and other partners; 11. Provide support on development and implementation of the Malaria Information System; 12. Provide support on dengue surveillance and dengue vector control; and 13. Any other responsibilities and tasks assigned by CLO related to control of neglected tropical diseases.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: University degree in biological sciences or medicine from a recognized university with postgraduate degree in public health, entomology or medical parasitology is essential. Training in entomology, epidemiology, programme management and evaluation, or communication is desirable.
Skills: Thorough knowledge and understanding of malaria and other vectorborne and parasitic diseases and their control / elimination. Skills in health situation analysis, strategic thinking, programme management and evaluation and in promoting national capabilities at all levels. Excellent communication skills. Excellent knowledge of MS Windows and MS Office software. Knowledge of statistical and GIS software and management of databases (MS Access, FoxPro) is an asset. Experiences with Oracle an advantage. Ability to travel and work in remote field conditions. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way 3. Creating an empowering and motivating environment 4. Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond 5. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Experience: Minimum of seven years experience in vectorborne diseases control activities, including three years of malaria control and/or malaria research at international level is essential. Experience in vector control and vector management, project planning and management, monitoring and evaluation is desirable. Research experience is an advantage.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD67 483 at single rate USD72 467 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 65.1 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.