Closing date: Tuesday, 7 August 2018
Medical Officer – ( 1801754 )
Grade : P4
Contractual Arrangement : Fixed-term appointment
Contract duration : 2 years
Job Posting : Jul 17, 2018, 12:39:39 PM
Closing Date : Aug 7, 2018, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location : Zimbabwe-Harare
Organization : AF/FRH – Family and Reproductive Health
Schedule : Full-time
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
To end preventable deaths and promote the survival,good health and well-being throughout the life-course, taking into account the need to address health equity, universal health coverage, social determinants of health and human rights, with a focus on gender equality. To support countries to develop whole-of-society approaches to address health and human development needs throughout different stages of the life course, in particular in improving health of newborns, children, adolescents, adults of reproductive age and the ageing by ensuring universal access to quality, evidence-based preventive and life-saving interventions at all levels of the health care delivery system and appropriate linkages to community resources.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda
- To provide technical input and support to countries covered by the IST in the preparation and implementation of sustainable strategies, policies, programmes and plans to reduce mother-to-child transmitted HIV and its impact on morbidity and mortality; as well as guidelines, policies and plans including but not limited to the uptake of antenatal services and HIV testing during pregnancy, use of antiretroviral treatment by pregnant women living with HIV, safe childbirth practices and appropriate infant feeding, uptake of infant HIV testing , treatment and retention as well as other post-natal healthcare services for the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and elimination of congenital syphilis (ECS).
- In countries covered by the IST, to identify and monitor the burden of mother-to-child transmitted illnesses, especially through health information systems and health research activities;
- To act as front line focal point to establish networks for exchange of experiences and data, in order to promote a sub-regional and integrated approach to PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS programmes;
- To encourage and/or coordinate the collection, analysis and documenting of best practices among countries to develop and disseminate materials and guidelines which support the management of PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS interventions as appropriate;
- To liaise and collaborate closely with other programmes in RMNCH and SRH to foster integration of activities within the FRH cluster as well as the communicable disease cluster, especially on guidelines and new developments in the HIV and elimination of syphilis areas.
- To fully participate in the monitoring evaluation and reporting related to PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS programs in IST countries;
- To support the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships, including drafting proposals, to increase resource mobilization for PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS activities and interventions;
- To perform other related responsibilities as assigned,including replacing and backstopping for others as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Medical degree and post graduate degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Public Health or Maternal and Child Health.
Desirable: At least seven years’ experience in national and international PMCTC activities, especially in the African Region. Working knowledge of the continuum of care between the health system and the community with respect to PMTCT interventions
Experience
Essential: At least seven years’ experience in national and international PMCTC activities, especially in the African Region. Working knowledge of the continuum of care between the health system and the community with respect to PMTCT interventions
Desirable: Previous experience working with communities to promote the concept of reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV;Experience with intergovernmental agencies, the UN System or WHO and knowledge of national and regional partnerships and networks.
Skills
- Excellent technical expertise in emergency obstetric care and new born interventions, antenatal services, HIV testing during pregnancy,antiretroviral treatment, safe childbirth practices and appropriate infant feeding, infant HIV testing and other post-natal healthcare services;
- Strong record of implementing successful PMTCT action plans and interventions;
- Prior experience establishing PMTCT surveillance systems in stable and emergency situations, developing research proposals and accurately collating and interpreting PMTCT data;
- Proven ability to motivate and guide capacity building at national and sub-regional levels including advocacy and communicating critical PMTCT messages;
- Demonstrated research and programme management skills including monitoring and evaluation and successful implementation of PMTCTpolicies, action plans and information, education and communication activities (IECs);
- Track record of working effectively with colleagues at all levels, and nationally and internationally to build capacity and develop partnerships including for resource mobilization.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to promote consensus and new approaches.
- Proven presentation skills and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners in resource-limited contexts; Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.
WHO Competencies
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyondEnsuring the effective use of resources
Producing resultsTeamwork
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
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 71,332 (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 2758 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.
- For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
- 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.
More Information
- Job City Harare

