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Chief, Science for Action D1

Vacancy No.: UNAIDS/12/FT7

Title: Chief, Science for Action

Grade: D1

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Duration of contract: 2 years

Date: 6 July 2012

Application Deadline: 4 August 2012
(21 day(s) until closing deadline)
Currently accepting applications

Organization unit: AI UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (AI)
Science for Action (SFA)/Evidence, Innovation and Policy (EIP)

Duty station: Geneva Switzerland
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Evidence, Innovation and Policy Department (EIP) leads the UNAIDS technical and programmatic approach to the HIV epidemic and enhances understanding of the global response. It develops evidence, strategies and tools to improve decision-making, analyses trends and engages stakeholders at all levels to expand knowledge and maximize the use of resources. The Department contributes to achieving Universal Access and the targets of the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS through advocating ambitious and effective policies and programmes to address the needs of vulnerable people. EIP comprises four Divisions including Global Financing Mechanisms and Collaboration (GFM), Science for Action (SFA), Economics, Evaluation and Programme Effectiveness (EEP) and Data for Action (DFA).

The Science for Action (SFA) Division analyses and prepares UNAIDS positioning on emerging issues, recommending policy options based on scientific and other evidence. It provides strategic leadership on policies and tools to ensure latest Science is reflected in policy, advocacy and agenda setting, influencing resource mobilization and allocation. SFA engages and supports policy makers, communities and researchers to translate policies and standards related to the basic programme activities and the prevention-treatment continuum into innovative, actionable, accessible and sustainable approaches. The Division aims at faster and more effective AIDS responses, through innovative approaches, contributing to the achievement of the High Level Meeting commitments and UNAIDS strategic goals.
Main tasks and Responsibilities of the Position:
Under the overall guidance of Director, EIP, the incumbent is assigned the following responsibilities:

Ensure UNAIDS' leadership in Science through building and leading scientific networks in support of UNAIDS agenda in achieving the goals of its strategy and the goals included in the declaration of the High Level Meeting on AIDS in June 2011.

Elaborate strategies for the development of innovative approaches, ensuring latest Science is reflected in policy, advocacy and agenda setting, including resource mobilization and allocation linked to the basic programme activities and the prevention-treatment continuum, aiming at a substantial and sustained reduction in new infections and increased access to treatment, care and support.

Lead UNAIDS political positioning vis-a-vis new research findings and emerging issues. Proactively create the space for innovation in the response to AIDS, challenging established approaches where limits are reached. Ensure the use of cutting edge approaches and technology in defining policy for most effective investments towards the three zeros of the UNAIDS Strategy.

Increase policy consistency and coherence for the prevention-treatment continuum, using strategic entry points within partners' agenda to advance the AIDS response.

Provide overall leadership to the implementation of the Treatment 2.0 strategy within the Secretariat, by establishing innovative approaches with different stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, to expand sustainable access to treatment, aiming at simplification of drug regimens and monitoring and delivery systems, as well as reducing overall treatment costs. Oversees UNAIDS Secretariat's agenda on integration of the AIDS response with communicable and non-communicable diseases, including TB and other co-infections, as well as health and community systems strengthening.

Identify key issues in regions and countries for EIP's support, providing authoritative and expert guidance for country, regional and global levels, supporting the translation of policies and standards related to the prevention-treatment continuum into actionable and accessible approaches, with effective packaging according to target audience.

Take a lead role in identifying and addressing knowledge and programmatic gaps guiding the production, analysis, and dissemination of up-to-date and evidence-based information on the basic programme activities and the prevention-treatment continuum, supporting the development and implementation of harmonized strategies and policies.

Represent UNAIDS at technical and scientific meetings, advisory boards and international conferences.

Establish, encourage, strengthen and leverage productive relationships between UNAIDS Secretariat and Cosponsors, governments, regional, national and governmental institutions, foundations, private sector and other partners, to promote collaborative synergies and mobilize resources. Promote team work and joint undertakings, engaging departments and divisions through the Secretariat, and recommend innovative and integrated strategies on emerging issues.

Lead, manage and coordinate the work of the SFA Division across the different levels within the organization as well as within the EIP Department, including but not limited to overseeing divisional budget aligned with the Division's work plan, taking into account the different sources of funding, while advising, guiding, motivating and empowering staff working on the basic programme activities and the prevention-treatment continuum at the different levels.

Perform other related duties as assigned, including replacing and backstopping others.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Advanced university degree in medical or social sciences, public health, epidemiology, health economics or social change communication or related field. Post graduate (PhD) in one of the above fields.
Competencies:
UNAIDS Values:
1. Commitment to the AIDS response
2. Integrity
3. Respect for diversity

Core competencies:
1. Working in teams
2. Communicating with impact
3. Applying expertise
4. Delivering results
5. Driving change and innovation
6. Being accountable

Managerial competencies:
1. Vision and strategic thinking
2. Leading teams
3. Managing performance and resources
4. Developing and empowering others
5. Exercising sound judgement
6. Building relationships and networks
Experience:
Essential: Over 15 years of progressively relevant experience in development work at international and national levels, including experience in managing strategic responses to HIV and a recognized scientific reputation in the field of HIV; experience managing multi-disciplinary teams at senior level. Experience working in developing countries is a requirement. Track record in science/research and publication in peer reviewed literature.

Desirable: Studies or sound understanding of scientific and policy issues related to the HIV epidemic. Experience in overseeing the implementation of programmatic responses to overlapping HIV-related risks preferably in developing country contexts.
Languages:
Advanced knowledge of English. Working knowledge of French and of another UN official language an asset.
Additional Information:
Positions at the international professional category within UNAIDS will be subject to the Organization's Mobility Policy. The above-mentioned position is a rotational position and its standard duration of assignment is linked to the ICSC hardship classification of the duty station.
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
US$ 95,394 at single rate
US$ 103,204 with primary dependants
Post Adjustment: 104.1 % of the figure(s) on the left side. 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.

Applicants will be required to take a test. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

Applications from people living with HIV are particularly welcome.