Senior Technical Officer, Influenza

Job Description

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The Department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness (GIH) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation; and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, GIH develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectoral partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin.

The department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through: I) Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact II) Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies III) Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership IV) Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies. The Global Influenza Programme (GIP), supports countries in seasonal, zoonotic and pandemic influenza management by strengthening surveillance, monitoring and data utilization; promoting seasonal prevention and control programming; and preparing for next influenza pandemic.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Provide technical leadership and support within the Global Influenza Programme, in the area of the interface of influenza and other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 laboratory and disease surveillance ensuring that activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Develop and propose technical health strategies for implementation through collaboration with Regional and Country Offices and provide advice in developing further the GISRS Plus for strengthening and improving technical capacity of target clienteles.
• Lead and conduct research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building in the respective area of work.
• Manage the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the subject area of work of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.
• Liaise with and utilize partnerships in international agencies or research institutions in the interface of influenza and other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 to position the technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies.
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for GISRS Plus.
• Lead and coordinate laboratory and disease surveillance activities of the interface of influenza-COVID-19 and interface of influenza and other respiratory viruses activities of the Global Influenza Programme including support to the overall WHO COVID-19 pandemic response.
• Guide, facilitate and bridge GISRS function beyond influenza to broad respiratory viruses of public health importance.
• Initiate and lead the development of non-influenza component in the GISRS Plus including strategic plans and corresponding capacity building at national and global levels.
• Coordinate the establishment of systems of support to countries, including training, technical assistance, and guidance, jointly with WHO Regional and Country Offices, to strengthen non-influenza capacity being part of integral capacity of GISRS.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in epidemiology, virology, bio-medical and medical science and other areas related to the functions of the position.

Desirable: A PhD or equivalent in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years at international levels in leading projects of respiratory viruses, both influenza and other respiratory virus(es), including experience in the area of health policies and strategies. At least 5 years of professional experience working on non-influenza respiratory virus(es). At least 5 years of bench experience working in a laboratory for influenza and/or other respiratory virus(es). Experience working with or in the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.

Desirable: Experience working on influenza and/or other respiratory virus vaccines. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies.

Skills

• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes.
• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Profound knowledge and understanding of non-influenza respiratory viruses in addition to influenza viruses, especially from public health perspectives.
• Extensive knowledge of the functioning of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Driving the Organization’s Position in Health Leadership
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of WHO language.

Closing Date: Apr 19, 2022