Vacancy Notice No: EURO/09/FT522

Title: Technical Officer, Communicable Diseases

Grade: P4

Contract type: Fixed-term appointment

Duration of contract: One year

Date: 4 August 2009

Deadline for application :

Duty Station: Copenhagen Denmark

Organization unit: EURO Europe Regional Office

(EU/RGO) /

EU/DHP Division of Health Programmes (EU/DHP)

Communicable Diseases (CDS)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :

The mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is to support Member States in: (i) developing and

sustaining their own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and

overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

The objective of the Division of Health Programmes (DHP) is to assist the Member States of the WHO European

Region to design, adopt and implement comprehensive health and health systems policies in the area of

communicable, non-communicable diseases and environment, strategies and tools in line with the values of

solidarity, equity and participation. The DHP provides policy and technical assistance in collaboration with

development partners and Civil Society Organizations.

The Division of Health Programmes consists of two Units: (i) Non-Communicable Diseases and Environment,

and (ii) Communicable Diseases Unit.

The Communicable Diseases Unit aims to reduce disease and death caused by communicable diseases, such

as tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases, etc. and other

processes related to communicable diseases as well as with their surveillance and response with emphases on

the poorest parts of the region. Specific attention is paid to the relationships between the burden of disease, the

relevant risk factors and the actions needed at country and inter-country level. The Unit provides technical inputs

into implementation of WHO's country programmes (Biennial Collaborative Agreements), which are led by the

WHO Country Offices, aimed at prevention and control of communicable diseases through strengthening health

system capacity to detect and respond to health threats to national, regional and global health security arising

from epidemic-prone, pandemic and emerging diseases. It supports Member States in designing and

implementing evidence based interventions, assessing the burden of disease and monitoring progress towards

reducing death and disability, by integrating these activities with management and dissemination of technical

knowledge through strengthening of communicable disease surveillance and response systems and public

health programmes and services. The Unit develops norms and standards, guidance and tools to assist

countries to implement effective disease control programmes.

Description of duties:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit for Communicable Diseases (CDS) the incumbent will:

Develop strategic and operational regional framework for IHR implementation, with particular focus on

cross-cutting areas within CDS Unit and other relevant Units/Divisions within the Regional Office,

ensuring coordinated response and support provided to Member States in building their core capacity;

·

Coordinate provision of technical input on issues with the staff of CDS, other divisions and headquarters'

clusters to maximize impact of WHO's country work and to better tailor WHO products and country and

region-specific goals, objectives and workplans;

·

Skills:

The Technical Officer should be able to identify him/herself with and have a strong commitment to the

core values of the World Health Organization

·

Skilful in modern management methods (performance measurement, design and operation of modern

management information systems, planning and evaluation, etc).

·

Knowledge and skills of identifying strategic opportunities for technical implementation of the work and

for resource mobilization.

·

·

Communicating in a credible and effective way: Speaks and writes clearly, adapting communication style

and content to the intended audience. Conveys information and opinions in a structured and credible

way. Produces effective written communications. Encourages others to share their views; employs good

listening skills, and considers other views. Ensures key messages are communicated and understood

and keeps others informed of key and relevant activity updates and issues. Ability to plan, organise,

coordinate and implement inputs from several sources clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to

establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to formally negotiate with officials in

Member States and in international organizations in the health sector and in other sectors.

1.

Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization: One main purpose of the post is to form a

coordinated Unit approach in relation to Member States, donors and other international partners. Ability

to interact effectively with a large range of stakeholders and partners both within and outside WHO. Tact,

diplomacy and ability to motivate partners.

2.

Fostering integration and teamwork: The incumbent needs to support the Unit to define its role, to

establish links and to identify and create synergies to various counterparts both within the unit and within

the Regional Office. Sense of leadership and responsibility. The incumbent develops and promotes

effective relationships with team members and with other unit and other professional colleagues. Works

in a collaborative fashion to achieve results by encouraging co-operation and building a positive rapport

among fellow team members. Supports, acts in accordance with team decisions - accepting joint

3.

international collaboration, of which three years at international level.

Languages:

language.

Additional Information:

Similar posts may be filled using this vacancy notice.

WHO has an on-line recruitment system, therefore

www.who.int/employment/en will be accepted.

All on-line applications are automatically acknowledged. If you do not receive an e-mail within 24 hours

confirming receipt of your application, you should verify your on-line profile. In case of repeated difficulties,

contact by e-mail HrsRecruitment@euro.who.int indicating the vacancy title and number in the subject line.

A written test may be used as a screening tool. Long-listed candidates may be contacted to sit a written test or

presentation prior to final short-listing. This does not preclude a written test or presentation prior to final

interview.

Annual salary: (Net of tax)

USD 64,521 at entry step at single rate

69,287 at entry step with primary dependants

Post Adjustment: 75.9 % 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.

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database.

Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for

online application procedures.

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.

Applications from women and from nationals of non- and under-represented member states are particularly

encouraged.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only

candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Currently accepting applications

Off-line applications should be sent to:

WHO has an on-line recruitment system, therefore

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or other tobacco users.