Medical Officer TBM (CPH) - Hoofdinhoud

WHO in collaboration with the Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Partnership is working to combat the epidemic through the Stop TB Strategy. This six-point strategy seeks to:

pursue high quality DOTS expansion and enhancement;

address TB/HIV, multidrug-resistant TB and the needs of poor and vulnerable populations;

contribute to health system strengthening based on primary health care;

engage all care providers;

empower people with TB, and communities through partnership;

enable and promote research.

Drug-resistant TB is a major concern for the WHO European Region, which is impeding the Region in reaching Target 8 of Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals. Fifteen of the twenty-seven high-burden multidrug-resistant TB countries in the world are in the WHO, European region. The top nine countries in the world with MDR-TB exceeding 12% among new TB cases and the top six exceeding 50% among previously-treated cases are in this Region. The Berlin Declaration and the Beijing Call for Action on TB and M/XDR-TB engage all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region to address MDR/XDR-TB and to achieve the global targets of TB control by 2015 and TB elimination by 2050.

The objectives of the WHO/Europe TB and M/XDR-TB programme (TBM) are to:

guide the European Region's response to the TB epidemic (with focus on prevention and control of drug-resistant tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infection, TB infection control, TB in prisons and TB in special populations, strengthening human resources for health, diagnostic services and retooling) and with particular attention to the high MDR-TB burden and the 18 high TB priority countries;

provide state-of-the-art and context-specific technical assistance to the Member States on TB and M/XDR-TB prevention, control and care;

provide evidence-based TB and M/XDR-TB control policies, guidelines and standards;

support the Member States in adapting the Stop TB Strategy within the context of strengthening health systems and patient-centred approaches;

foster bilateral, multilateral and multisectoral collaboration and partnership in TB and M/XDR-TB control;

assist the Member States in monitoring and evaluation of national TB and M/XDR-TB control programmes;

promote and enable TB and M/XDR-TB research within a wider health research strategy;

improve TB and M/XDR-TB surveillance, data management and decision-making based on data analysis;

enhance advocacy,communication and social mobilization for improved TB and M/XDR-TB control.

Purpose of the Post: To provide technical assistance to Member States in implementing the WHO-recommended strategy to prevent and control TB, M/XDR-TB and TB/HIV co-infection towards attainment of Target 7, through such funding mechanisms as the European GLC, TBTEAM, etc.

To support the Member States in implementation of Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat M/XDR-TB in WHO European Region 2011-2015.

To develop and implement a strategic approach to advocacy, communication and social mobilization (ACSM) related to TB and M/XDR-TB and to work closely with Member States in planning, implementing and monitoring ACSM activities.

Description of duties: Under the guidance of the Programme Manager TBM, the incumbent has the following objectives (or) is responsible for:

As focal point for certain specific areas within TB & M/XDR-TB and TB/HIV co-infection, coordinate the related work in the European Region and collaborate with relevant programmes at regional and country level. Be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating activities on a regional, subregional and Member State level, including training, clinical aspects, advocacy, communication and social mobilization. As focal point for a group of countries, coordinate the related work in specified Member States.

Provide technical assistance to the Member States in the implementation of the WHO-recommended strategy to Stop TB and the WHO M/XDR TB Action Plan for the European Region, with specific emphasis on the group of countries for which the incumbent is focal point. Be responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of TB control activities, providing policy advice to the national authorities on TB control policies and assisting in the development and implementation of national plans for TB control. Prepare country and subregional technical missions, training workshops and meetings as required.

As focal point for specific areas of work, be responsible for the TBM workplan and budget management of these areas, as well as for TB activities in the countries for which the incumbent is focal point. Provide technical assistance in the communication, coordination and reporting with/to the external technical and financial partners.

Advocate and promote the WHO policy and strategy on TB prevention and control and develop relevant advocacy materials to support the dissemination of information in Member States. Develop a strategic approach to advocacy, communications and social mobilization (ACSM) related to TB and M/XDR-TB. Monitor and evaluate the TBM website with a view to constantly improving it. Provide technical assistance with organization of the World TB Day and other events specific to individual Member States.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Essential: University degree in medicine. Post-graduate studies/specialization in lung diseases, tuberculosis and/or related communicable diseases. Training in tuberculosis control, epidemiology and public health.

Desirable: Training in project management, communication and resource mobilization.

Skills: Functional Skills and Knowledge Good knowledge of epidemiology and all aspects of tuberculosis including M/XDR-TB and TB/HIV co-infection. Ability to plan, implement and evaluate tuberculosis control programmes.

Other skills: Essential: Computer literacy. Excellent presentation and didactic skills.

COMPETENCIES: see WHO Global Competencies model at http://www.who.int/employment/competencies/en/

• 1. 

  Communicating in a credible and effective way: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others. Listens actively. Produces clear, concise effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared. Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• 2. 

  Producing results: Demonstrates a systematic and efficient approach to work. Is committed to producing high-quality results and workable solutions that meet client needs. Sees tasks through to completion.
• 3. 

  Fostering integration and teamwork: Develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Supports and acts in accordance with team decisions. Accepts joint responsibility for team's success and shortcomings. Ability to adapt to diverse ethnic and cultural environments and to work in teams
• 4. 

  Knowing and managing yourself: Manages ambiguity and pressure in a self-reflective way. Uses criticism as a development opportunity. Seeks opportunityies for continuous learning and professional growth.
• 5. 

  Moving forward in a changing environment: Recognizes opportunities for improvement and proposed workable solutions. Adapts readily and efficiently to changing priorities and demands.

Experience: Essential: At least seven years' experience working in public health and/or tuberculosis, programme planning, implementation and evaluation, with both international and field experience.

Desirable: Experience in working for WHO and/or other relevant agencies for more than five years. Experience in proposal and project development.

Languages: Essential: Very good knowledge of English and Russian.

Desirable: Working knowledge of another WHO EURO language (i.e. French or German).

Additional Information: 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.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted for a written test and/or presentation. Interviews will take place using a competency-based approach.

Similar posts could be filled using this vacancy notice.

Annual salary: (Net of tax) 67,395 USD at single rate 72,373 USD with primary dependants Post Adjustment: 70.2 % 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.