Job Detail

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

 

TheWorld Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programmeof Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRPis the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifyingresearch priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; forpromoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinaryresearch; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity toconduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policymaking and sexual and reproductive health programmes. The Department draws onresearch and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop globalguidelines on sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information aboutSRH and HRP can be found at www.who.int/reproductivehealth/en/The Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration into Health Systems Unit (SHS) is responsible for research and development, innovation, evidence synthesis, development of guidance and implementation tools, provision of specialized technical support, and dissemination of information on evidence-based practices for the integration of sexual and reproductive health services in health systems, including in fragile and emergency settings, for achieving universal health coverage, and with focus on primary health care including self-care, and digital health, health data systems, innovative financing, and global estimates.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

 

(1) Identifies opportunities and establishes priorities in health research, specifically implementation research to test effectiveness and integration of digital health interventions and implementation strategies to improve sexual and reproductive health and health system strengthening, including at primary care level.

(2) Working in collaboration with global leaders in this field, develops a research agenda and strategy to use digital health interventions to improve access to and coverage of evidence-based sexual and reproductive health interventions and programmes.

(3) Assumes primary responsibility for the scientific and managerial aspects of implementing the research and research synthesis activities described in the strategy (formulation of research questions, development and implementation of research protocols, communicating effectively results of research).

(4) Manages collaborations with relevant organizations and institutions, including WHO Collaborating Centres, academic institutions, and relevant partners, in order to develop, implement, and validate digital interventions with research protocols, and achieve the objectives of the Team and Department.

(5) Develops and contributes to the development of normative products on digital health interventions for sexual and reproductive health.

(6) Assures publication of results in the scientific literature and identifies means by which to widely disseminate research findings and their implications for policy and programmes.

(7) Prepares technical progress reports for SRH's governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors.

(8) Provides scientific and technicalguidance within WHO and among United Nations agencies for matters relating to research on the role of digital health interventions for sexual and reproductive health and development, on the basis of the most updated scientific knowledge and considering a human rights-based approach.

(9) Providestechnical guidancewithin WHO and through interagency technical and expert advisory groups on topical areas related to research, evidence and norms in support of the development, implementation, and validation of digital health interventions for SRH.

(10) Conducts the development and implementation of research capacity approaches including country-level training of research investigators and decision-makers who prioritize research areas and make use of research findings for country planning related to digital health interventions.

(11) Advises Member State counterparts, UN agencies, other inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies on matters relating to research related to digital health interventions for SRH, working in close collaboration with SRH teams, other WHO Headquarters departments, and WHO Regional and Country Offices.

(12) Builds partnerships and conducts fundraising for specific research projects, meeting with bi-laterals, donors, private-sector, IT technology, governments, technical and implementation agencies.

(13) Where appropriate, manages staff and consultants who are contributing to SRH department goals of research and evidence for digital health interventions for SRH.

(14) Carries out other tasks, as required by the Unit Head

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

 

Essential: Advanced University degree in the public health or social sciences with a specialty or concentration in a related field such as health systems, epidemiology, sociology, or informatics. Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
 

Desirable: PHD in a public health related field

 

Experience

 

Essential: At least 7 years' experience in health research with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, programme development, or technical support, including experience of working in developing countries. At least 5 years' experiencein the area of digital health interventions related research and normative work. Demonstrated track record of developing or contributing to global resources on digital health and sexual and reproductive health. Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
 

Desirable: Experience in multi-site research studies related to digital interventions for health systems strengthening; developing, validating andfostering the adoption of digital interventions.

 

Skills

 

Strong skills and expertise in design and implementation of multi-disciplinary and multi-method research strategies, including multi-site studies. Strong skills in research synthesis and systematic reviews including particularly those involving health interventions and digital technologies. Strong analytical research and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by atrack record of publication in global peer-reviewed scientific journals. Strong scientific writing skill and ability to synthesize research evidence.

 

WHO Competencies

 

• Teamwork


• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences


• Communication


• Producing results


• Moving forward in a changing environment


• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

 

Use of Language Skills

 

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
 

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN Official 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 73,516 (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 5483 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.

 

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 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: www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.


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


• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.


• For information on WHO's operations please visit: www.who.int.


• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.


• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.


• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.


• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.


• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

 

 

 

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