National Professional Officer (Tobacco Control) At World Health Organization (WHO)


JOB DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and plans in NTOs, and effective services towards Universal Health Coverage. The main objective of the programme is to reduce tobacco use among the population in India and thereby reduce tobacco related morbidity and mortality; to provide support for the development of tobacco control policies, strategies and programmes through capacity building, awareness generation, training and advocacy to strengthen tobacco control initiatives in the country both at national and sub national levels; to mobilize resources and provide technical support for their implementation. Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO: All the Member States of WHO in the South-East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO’s actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related millennium development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health violence and injuries and disabilities: (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, including India’s population of 1.4 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

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The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.4 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Head of WHO Country Office India and the direct supervision of Team Leader (NCDs & Comorbidities) with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-lndia biennial work plans in accordance with WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India, as part of the WCO-lndia team working on NCDs, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

  1. Provide technical as well as programme management support to the NCD team for planning and implementation of tobacco control activities in synergy with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and Sustainable Development Goals. 
  2. Assist in the communication and interaction with concerned technical units/departments of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, related Ministries and WHO/SEARO/HQ. 
  3. Assist in developing work plan and, grant proposal as well as in monitoring, reviewing and reporting the implementation. 
  4. Support in policy research including data collection, data management, evaluation, analysis and in monitoring current research in the area of tobacco control policies and related evaluation. 
  5. Assist in tobacco control advocacy, including through WHO World No Tobacco Day event and launching of tobacco-related technical publications. 
  6. Support and facilitate the development of information, education and communication materials and information on health hazards of tobacco, tobacco control policies and highlights of research findings and dissemination of the same through various communication means. Advertisement
  7. Support in updating and developing training modules, guidelines and related training programmes on tobacco control, as well as support the conduct of such trainings. 
  8. Support multisectoral engagement with key sectors of government, civil society/NGOs, Bl partners, and other donors/development partners to further the work in tobacco control and NCD prevention. 
  9. Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisor(s). 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A university degree in public health, epidemiology, social science or any significant health-related degree from a recognized university.

Desirable: Post-graduate degree/diploma in Public Health, or Public Health Administration or Management; in-depth knowledge about diverse areas of tobacco control at national and sub-national level will be an asset.

Experience

Essential: At least one (1) year of professional experience in public health programmes at national / state level.
Desirable: Working experience with the National Government or international organization be an advantage. Experience in or knowledge of tobacco control programmes will be an asset.

Skills

  • The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization. 
  • Thorough knowledge of policies, strategies and guidelines in the area of NCDs and their risk factors Including the promotion of Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI), with good understanding of country’s needs and priorities. 
  • Good knowledge of ways to work with government institutions and related departments/agencies and experience of work in an international environment. Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. 
  • Leadership, coordination and supervision skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and international levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. 
  • Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors. Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment. Modem management skills (planning and evaluation, etc). 
  • Capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare and monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements. Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly. 
  • Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports. Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage. 

WHO Competencies

  • Teamwork 
  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences 
  • Communication 
  • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 
  • Producing results 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Expert knowledge of Hindi.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 1,889,386 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  1. This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level 
  2. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. 
  3. A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. 
  7. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. 
  8. 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. 
  9. 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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int 
  10. 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. 
  11. 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. 
  12. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. 
  13. For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int. 
  14. 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. 
  15. 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. 
  16. 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 shws@who.int
  17. 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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