Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Technical Officer Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe (P-4) World Health Organization (WHO) Closing date: Tuesday, 22 August 2017


Technical Officer Laboratory, 
Harare, Zimbabwe (P-4) 
World Health Organization (WHO)
Closing date: Tuesday, 22 August 2017

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Technical Officer Laboratory - (1702384)  
Grade: P4
Contractual Arrangement: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Contract duration: One year

Job Posting

: Aug 1, 2017, 9:25:26 AM

Closing Date

: Aug 22, 2017, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

: Zimbabwe-Harare

Organization

: AF/CDS - Communicable Diseases

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To provide support to the Member States in the WHO African Region to develop policies and strategies and build capacity for the delivery of the health response to HIV/AIDS/TB/Hepatitis and other related diseases. This includes support for rapidly scaling up access to treatment and care services and accelerating prevention, while strengthening health

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

As a result of the 90/90/90 targets and 2015 Treat All ART guidelines and related Fast Track approaches, WHO/AFRO is supporting the scale-up and roll-out of high quality and robust laboratory HIV tests that are rationally deployed at the right location to ensure the most beneficial and cost effective outcomes. As cost-effective use of diagnostics remains a challenge, which is compounded by uncertainty about the best potential combination of POC and lab-based diagnostics for CD4, VL and EID, implementation guidance and technical support is needed in WHO/AFRO to support this work stream. To ensure the implementation of differentiated service delivery models, viral load will need to be further scaled up in key African countries and operational tools will be developed to support this effort. Viral load testing is an essential parameter in guiding antiretroviral therapy for individuals infected with HIV. Within this context the incumbent will perform the following tasks: 1. To foster linkages with stakeholders and laboratory networks; coordinate regional efforts with stakeholders and laboratory networks; and facilitate implementation of programs, partnerships and activities that support ART scale-up efforts.2. To support validation of diagnostics and sound diagnostic practices to facilitate implementation of innovative and novel diagnostic testing practices for scale-up; the roll-out of guidance (taking into account the 2015 WHO consolidated guidelines on ARV and HIV testing services including certification of testing sites and testing personnel using a stepwise approach).3. To coordinate the development of implementation guidance as tools for developing national viral load testing plans that are aligned with the broader laboratory strategic plans, as well as tools for a quality management system and quality assurance plans for viral load testing. The SLIPTA programme which is already being implemented in all countries for HIV serology testing will be the approach for establishing the QA programmes for HIV viral load testing.4. Provide country technical support to develop national viral load testing plans and ensure all phase-in plans for viral load testing developed conform to the WHO standards; are feasible; and have clear timelines, approaches and actions for scaling up access to viral load testing for everyone on ART, as recommended in the WHO consolidated guidelines for HIV treatment.5. In collaboration with MoH and partners, develop coasted phase-in and scale-up plans; monitor progress in implementing testing scale-up; and establish quality assurance (QA) programs for viral load, early infant diagnosis (EID), STIs and TB diagnostics. 6. In collaboration with the HIVDR team, support countries in theEastandSouthern Africa sub-region in implementation and monitoring of HIV Drug Resistance strategies, activities and surveys. 7. To perform any other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in in laboratory medicine or Medical degree with specialization in laboratory medicine. Graduate training in microbiology, immunology and biochemistry
Desirable: Master in public health ( MPH)

Experience

Essential: At least seven years' experience working in the field of viral load, early infant diagnostics and TB diagnostics.Experience in a national and international context, in laboratory medicine in the area of HIV/AIDS medicine, HIV drug resistance, including expertise in working in resource-limited settings. Experience in providing technical assistance to HIV national programmes in limited resource countries.
Desirable: International experience with WHO in Africa and developing countries would be an asset.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of quality-assured, WHO endorsed HIV/HEP/TB diagnostic/ laboratory technologies. Ability to provide support to countries for implementation of HIV/Hepatitis/TB laboratory diagnostics, data collection, and monitoring and evaluation. Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner, give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration multiple views and experiences in resource-limited contexts. Good interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.

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 70,647 (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 2814 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: http://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.
  • WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
  • 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: http://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.