Medical Officer (Neglected Tropical Diseases)

Vacancy Notice No: HQ/13/HQ/FT411 Title: Medical Officer (Neglected Tropical Diseases) Grade: P5 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  1 year	Date: 30 September 2013 Application Deadline: 28 October 2013 Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland   Organization unit: HQ Headquarters (HQ) / HQ/HTM HIV/AIDS, TB and Neglected Tropical Diseases (HQ/HTM) HQ/NTD Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Within the HIV, TB, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (HTM) Cluster, the objectives of the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) are to reduce the negative impact of endemic tropical diseases through the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of selected endemic tropical diseases, as specified in the WHO NTD Road Map "Accelerating work to overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: a roadmap for implementation" (2012). The strategy (SAFE) to eliminate blinding trachoma includes surgery for individuals with trachomatous trichiasis, antibiotics to reduce the reservoir of chlamydial infection, facial cleanliness and hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission, safe water and sanitation.
Description of duties: The incumbent will perform the following duties: 1) lead, manage and coordinate the global elimination of blinding trachoma by 2020 within WHO; 2) advocate for trachoma elimination among governments and partners, and engage in resource mobilization to reach the targets set by the World Health Assembly; 3) provide technical support to Member States through Regional and Country Offices, to strengthen policy formulation, strategy development, programming capability, resource mobilization and implementation capacities in the SAFE strategy; 4) guide the adaptation of the Alliance for Global Elimination of Blinding Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET2020) and its annual meeting in order to ensure strong participation of Member States and advocacy at the highest possible level; 5) develop and implement normative guidelines for surveillance including a set of criteria for elimination; define global mechanisms and processes for the verification of blinding trachoma elimination; and guide national programmes towards verification of the elimination goal; 6) build on existing and develop normative and technical guidelines for the different components of the SAFE strategy in various epidemiological situations; 7) in collaboration with partners, maintain and update epidemiological and operational information on trachoma at all levels, systematically monitor progress towards the global elimination goal, analyze, and report regional and country progress in view of corrective action; 8) contribute to development of research priorities to adjust implementation strategies and accelerate progress towards the global elimination goal; 9) work with International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) and the private sector to ensure adequate global supply of medicines, surgical equipment and medical devices for the elimination of trachoma; 10) strengthen collaboration with all partners of the WASH initiative; 11) collaborate closely with other programmes and sectors within WHO, international organizations, NGDOs and other partners providing support to countries that will enable them to include NTD control, including elimination of blinding trachoma, in their public health agenda; 12) participate in meetings, capacity building, evaluation missions, and prepare relevant technical documents; 13) perform other related tasks as required by the Director of the Department. Decision-making: the incumbent is expected to work and take decisions independently but in close contact with colleagues in the Department and relevant partners.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential Advanced/ MA-level University degree in medicine. Desirable Postgraduate degree (PhD level) in public health with special emphasis on disease control or epidemiology. Additional qualifications specifically related to bacteriology, hygiene and control/elimination of tropical diseases.Training in ophthalmology.
Skills:  Strongly goal and outcome oriented, with proven ability to produce results. Good knowledge of other NTDs targeted for elimination. Demonstrated managerial, communication, supervisory and leadership ability, networking capacities, negotiation skills and ability to work in teams. Scientific, technical and management knowledge of trachoma elimination. Integrity, tact and discretion in dealing with numerous contacts. Ability to guide, support and encourage colleagues to work towards common goals. Writing, editorial and oral presentation skills. Ability to plan and organize large-scale meetings, high level of judgement, responsibility and initiative, adaptable and able to work effectively at all levels of organizational complexity. Extensive computer skills with experience in the use of Power-point, Word, Excel and other common softwares. WHO Competencies 1. Producing results 2. Promoting WHO's position in health leadership 3. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 4. Communicating in a credible and effective way.
Experience: Essential At least 10 years of professional experience and recognized leadership in the management and implementation of large scale disease control/elimination programmes at national and some of it at international level, of which at least 4 years are relevant to the elimination of blinding trachoma. At least 2 years of professional experience in working with the private sector and/or Non-Governmental Development Organisations. Desirable Experience in public health ophthalmology and morbidity management for trichiasis.
Languages: Expert knowledge of English or French is required with intermediate knowledge of the other an asset.
Additional Information: A written test may be used for screening purposes. Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice. This vacancy is published in English only.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 80'629 at single rate USD 86'791 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 103.3 % 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.
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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.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.