OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The Research for Health Department sits within the Science Division. The overall mission of the Science Division is to harness the power of science and innovation to improve health in a systematic way, by ensuring the excellence, relevance and efficiency of WHO's core technical functions, including norms and standards and research. Within this Division, the specific purpose of the Research for Health department is to accelerate the impact of ethical, evidence-based research for people's health. Its mandate is structured around three key roles: 1) to provide leadership on matters related to the impact of research on people's health around the world; 2) to ensure that ethics is central to WHO's recommendations to countries, to public health programmes and for clinical practice, with the aim of maximizing benefits while mitigating risks; 3) to secure the overall efficiency and impact of the WHO research process. The Health Ethics and Governance Unit provides a focal point for the examination of ethical issues raised by activities throughout the Organization. The unit also supports Member States in addressing ethical issues that arise in their own countries. This includes a range of global bio ethics topics from the health and climate crises, to public health surveillance to developments in genomics, and from research with human beings to fair access to health services. This unit's work is particularly important in the context of contemporary health challenges and raises and addresses difficult questions in areas such as resource allocation, new technologies, decision-making in health research and public health.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
- Provide technical support to the work programme in the area of promoting equitable global health research and reforming ethics oversight, and the Ethics2Policy Platform.
- Research, compile and evaluate a variety of data and information related to Ethics Research policy and practice, and policy uptake in global health ethics.
- Develop and monitor work plans and budgets for the work and follow up on the implementation of planned activities.
- Conduct capacity strengthening in the area of equitable global health research and reforming ethics oversight.
- Provide technical and managerial support for the working groups that will develop recommendations, guidance and training materials (as appropriate) in 3 key areas of trial design.
- 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 deliverables.
- Support the development of the Unit's normative documents and associated tools in the areas of research ethics and Ethics2Policy.
- Contribute to the development of strategies and policies through advice and recommendations for supporting National Ethics Commissions/Committees.
- Serve as a technical resource to the public concerning promoting equitable global health research and reforming ethics oversight, and the Ethics2Policy: respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning the work programmes.
- Represent WHO at various meetings.
- Review and ensure quality assurance and relevance of contractual engagements with partners and institutions and make recommendations regarding WHO's support.
- Maintain liaison and coordination with technical departments in the Regional Office and HQ and with donor and development partners.
- Perform all other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in social or behavioral or medical sciences related to the functions of the position.
Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.Experience
Essential:
- A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the management of bioethics and research ethics, including experience in the area of health policies and strategies.
Desirable:
Work experience in developing countries. Experience of working with 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. Good skills in mobilizing 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.WHO Competencies
Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Moving forward in a changing environmentUse of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Other WHO Language.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 77,326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5793 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.