Unit Leader (Vectors, Environment and Society)

Vacancy Notice No: HQ/13/HQ/FT521 Title: Unit Leader (Vectors, Environment and Society) Grade: P5 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  2 years	Date: 29 November 2013 Application Deadline: 8 January 2014 (32 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland   Organization unit: HQ Headquarters (HQ) / HQ/HTM HIV/AIDS, TB and Neglected Tropical Diseases (HQ/HTM) TDR/VES Vectors, Environment & Society
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The objective of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty and promote the translation of innovation to health impact in disease endemic countries. The objective of the unit is to develop and evaluate innovative and improved vector control strategies in the context of climate and environmental changes and to explore optimal ways to engage with different types of community (e.g. rural, peri-urban, nomadic) to scale up tools and strategies for the prevention of major vector-borne and other poverty-related diseases.
Description of duties: 1. Lead, manage and have overall responsibility for the work of the unit on 'Vectors, Environment and Society, with the goal to develop and evaluate innovative and improved vector control strategies in the context of climate and environmental changes, and to explore optimal ways to engage with different types of community (e.g. rural, peri-urban, nomadic) to scale up tools and strategies for the prevention of major vector-borne and other poverty-related diseases; 2. Take on personal responsibility for the management of some projects requiring particular expertise in vector biology and of other activities that address broader objectives of the unit; 3. Effectively supervise members of the Unit and coordinate effective planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the Unit's activities. Responsible for sound financial management; 4. Manage and support expert scientific advisory committees and follow up on their recommendations, manage calls for research proposals, and engage, convene, commission and contract with global research expertise to deliver on the above goals in close consultation with control programmes; 5. Proactively contribute to, and facilitate, regional and country efforts to develop sustainable local research capacity and leadership; 6. Conceptualize, establish and lead new initiatives, develop successful partnerships and collaborations and secure funding for the work; 7. Develop guidance and advice for international research in this area, with appropriate reporting of research to assist policy makers and practitioners in the field. Seek coherence between TDR activities and other global research efforts; 8. Communicate TDR's Vectors, Environment and Society Research activities effectively and more broadly represent TDR and WHO to a broad array of stakeholders, including governmental and international agencies, and at associated high level and expert scientific meetings; 9. Contribute to TDR strategy development, promotion and implementation and proactively assist in fund-raising activities, both for the unit and TDR as a whole; 10. Represent TDR and serve as the focal point for all aspects of TDR's Vectors, Environment and Society Research activity and coordinates TDR's interface with WHO's departments concerned with vector control, environment and society, and related partnerships; 11. Promote cross cutting activities within TDR and contribute to other TDR projects and activities as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential PhD degree in a field related to medical entomology and public health. Desirable Medical Degree; Master of Public Health.
Skills:  - Demonstrated internationally recognized track record in vector research as it relates to tropical diseases research. - Sound knowledge of poverty-related infectious diseases and their control. - Excellent analytical and organizational skills. - Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to develop innovative concepts in a clear and concise manner. - Ability to lead, guide and motivate partners towards success and to manage and plan strategies in relation to objectives. - Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills with ability to promote consensus and develop effective work practices and ethics. - Diplomacy, tact and courtesy. WHO Competencies 1. Producing results 2. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 3. Communicating in a credible and effective way 4. Creating an empowering and motivating environment 5. Promoting WHO's position in health leadership.
Experience: Essential At least 10 years of experience with growing responsibilities in managing and securing funding for a portfolio of research projects at national and international level: conceptualizing, designing, leading and sustaining initiatives supporting vector research related to infectious diseases of poverty. Experience in collaborating with national health authorities to enhance up-take of research. First-hand developing country work experience. Good publication record. Desirable Experience in health policy.
Languages: Expert knowledge of English is required. Intermediate knowledge of another UN official language would be an asset.
Additional Information: The following priority order will be observed in the screening of candidates: 1. WHO staff members (Continuing, Fixed-term and Temporary appointments), 2. External candidates. 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 80'734 at single rate USD 86'904 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.
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Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.