Organization: WHO – World Health Organization
Location: Ankara
Grade: Junior level – NO-B, National Professional Officer – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Biology and Chemistry
Closing Date: 2024-12-20

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. Within the Programme, this project contributes to strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. The project, which is funded by EU and implemented by MoH with the technical collaboration of WHO Country Office Ankara, aims to further strengthen laboratory capacities for diagnosis and surveillance of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of epidemic potential, reinforcing health security in Türkiye and to strengthen laboratory systems for improved preparedness and response to public health threats in the earthquake affected areas.

DESCRIPTIONS

Within the framework of the Strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 project and in alignment with the EU contribution agreement, the incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support to the Ministry of Health and partners in timely responses to outbreaks/epidemics and health emergencies through managing the laboratory related activities in compliance with the WHO recommended standards.

duties:

1. Provide operational support for the development, implementation and oversight of Next Generation Genome Sequencing capacities to be developed/strengthened under the project.
2. Cooperate with project stakeholders in improving analytical and diagnostics services, quality and environmental management, equipment maintenance, safety and bio-safety for laboratories.
3. Contribute to strengthening the national capacity at the health laboratories; assess training needs and support/coordinate with relevant experts to organize trainings for laboratory personnel in the related technical areas.
4. Support large-scale procurements of laboratory equipment and supplies for public health laboratories in the earthquake affected area, including two mobile laboratories and reagents for detection of vector borne diseases.
5. Support the institutional and policy capacity of laboratory and surveillance system by contributing to the development of strategies, guidelines, standard operating procedures and other national/sub-national guidance documents.
6. Provide support to the strengthening the capacity of public health and laboratory staff on next generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology through the development and delivery of trainings to enhance the use of genomic sequencing data for public health action.
7. Provide support in updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting the response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.
8. Supports implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of activities and drawing/documenting lessons to be learnt.
9. Assists with the development of work plans, including timeframes and activity cost estimates, budgets, tracking and monitoring project implementation using project tracking systems.
10. Facilitates smooth information flow it on activities through preparation and sharing of reports, organizing and participating in meetings/ trainings.
11. Other tasks as requested by the supervisors.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

Essential: A first university degree (bachelor’s level or equivalent) in molecular biology, genetics, biomedical science, veterinary medicine, medicine or medical virology from an accredited/ recognized institute.
Desirable: Advanced degree (master’s level or above) in in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques. Training in Public Health or Public health laboratory practice.

Experience

Essential: At least two years of practical and operational application of molecular techniques for rapid typing and whole genome sequencing, and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the national levels. Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national level.
Desirable: Experience in outbreaks and/or health emergency response of international impact. Experience in establishing or improving laboratory infrastructure for microbiology and/or detection of infectious diseases. Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national level. Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response. Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.

Skills

1. Demonstrated knowledge of response operations and their implementation in emergencies as related to public health, complemented by demonstrated ability to identify and manage difficult situations.
2. Excellent skills in the monitoring and analysis of emergency situations.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure.
4. Proven ability to communicate effectively.
5. Tact, discretion and ability to promote consensus.
6. Proficiency in standard computer applications e.g. electronic communication, database searches and management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and planning software.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Turkish.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 36,813 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

How to apply

Simply click on the apply button, fill out of the form, and upload your documents

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