OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. Within the Programme, this project contributes to strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. The project, which is funded by EU and implemented by MoH with the technical collaboration of WHO Country Office Ankara, aims to further strengthen laboratory capacities for diagnosis and surveillance of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic potential, reinforcing health security in Türkiye and to strengthen laboratory systems for improved preparedness and response to public health threats in the earthquake affected areas.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies project and in alignment with the EU contribution agreement, the incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support to the Ministry of Health and partners in implementing laboratory/surveillance related activities in compliance with the WHO recommended standards. The position will require a significant amount of travel to the field with a strong focus on linking laboratory with surveillance and early warning system strengthening at the national level and in the earthquake affected provinces of Türkiye.

Key duties: 

1. Supports strengthening of the laboratory and surveillance system in the earthquake affected provinces to detect public health threats, including vector borne diseases, via workshops, on-site training, production of guidelines and other documents, and mentoring and supervisions field visits.
2. Provide technical contributions to laboratory EWAR and surveillance system evaluation methodologies.
3. Collaborate with Ministry of Health on the preparation and dissemination of epidemiological reports and outputs, technical documents, updates and assessments to key decision-makers as required using standard tools and templates.
4. Provide technical and operational contributions to field investigation of, and response to potential health hazards such as infectious disease outbreaks or environmental threats.
5. Provide technical expertise related to information, data management, data analysis and visualization of surveillance information to support response and for information products including reports and dashboards.
6. Develop, support and conduct training on infectious disease surveillance and epidemiological data analysis for relevant national counterparts and others as appropriate.
7. Strengthen coordination and linkage between surveillance and laboratory systems through data sharing field missions, workshops, trainings and overall system design and strengthening.
8. Facilitate generation of lessons learned and sharing of experience on laboratory and surveillance systems in response to earthquakes and natural disasters through development of publications and hosting national/international conferences and workshops.
9. Establish and maintain collaborative networks involving national and international organizations, governmental and nongovernmental institutions, professional and scientific societies, liaise with other units/teams.
10. Assist with the development of workplans and activity budgets, and support monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project implementation.
11. Other tasks as requested by the supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in epidemiology, public health or medicine from an accredited/ recognized institute.

Desirable: A post graduate degree (master’s or equivalent) in epidemiology and/or public health. Graduation from an accredited Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).

Experience

Essential: At least two years of relevant experience working in public health epidemiology, with experience in communicable disease diagnostics, surveillance and early warning systems, outbreak response and health emergencies. Ability to work with national and international staff.

Desirable: Experience in outbreaks and/or health emergency response of international impact. Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations. Experience in planning and implementing surveillance trainings at national level.

Skills

1. Theoretical and practical expertise in epidemiology and communicable disease surveillance, including outbreak response.
2. Strong data analytic skills for outbreak investigation and response, using a suite of skills (MS Excel, R, Stata, etc.).
3. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
4. Proven ability to communicate effectively with tact, discretion and the ability to promote consensus.
5. Excellent writing skills in English and proven analytical skills and ability to synthesize findings from diverse materials and sources.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of response operations and their implementation in emergencies as related to public health, complemented by demonstrated ability to identify and manage difficult situations.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Turkish.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 36,813 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements