The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.

Vacancy Notice No: HQ/15/HQ/FT255

Date: 15 May 2015

Title: Scientist (Intervention Research)

Application Deadline: 26 June 2015

Grade: P5

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment

Organization unit: HQ Headquarters (HQ) /

HQ/HTM HIV/AIDS, TB and Neglected Tropical Diseases
(HQ/HTM)
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical
Diseases (TDR)

Duration of contract: Two years - Renewable, subject to

satisfactory performance and continuing need for the post

.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The objective of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effective global
research effort on infectious diseases of poverty and promote the translation of innovation to health impact in disease endemic
countries.The objective of the unit is to produce evidence to optimize the use of health interventions for infectious diseases of
poverty and to undertake appropriately oriented intervention and implementation research e.g. targeted at disease elimination.
Description of duties:
The incumbent will work under the guidance of the IIR Team Leader. They will use a team work approach to lead and manage
implementation research projects in close collaboration with the other members of the team and with staff across the Programme
as relevant. The need for systematic integration of research related capacity strengthening activities in these projects will require
a strong interaction with the research capacity strengthening and knowledge management team at TDR.The incumbent will
collaborate and engage with key stakeholders to ensure that country needs are identified and well understood, that research
questions are developed accordingly, and that implementation research is conducted effectively and efficiently bringing together
relevant perspectives and disciplines. Critical stakeholders include other WHO/HQ units and partnerships, in particular WHO
control programmes, WHO country offices, national disease control programmes in countries and public health experts as
relevant. The incumbent will also represent TDR and establish new partnerships and raise funds to achieve TDR goals and
specifically IRR team objectives.
1. In consultation with IIR Team Leader, lead and manage implementation research projects: from their inception; establishing a
project team including the relevant expertise and disciplines; leading the development of the project strategic plan and risk
management plan; developing detailed and comprehensive project operational plan including activities; timelines and resources;
monitoring closely the project implementation at technical and financial levels and adjusting accordingly; reporting on progress
and results.
2. Engage key stakeholders in the projects under their responsibility in an effective way to enhance ownership, anticipate
research results uptake, and ensure synergy with similar global health efforts.
3. Work closely with the disease control programmes at WHO and in countries and bring the relevant expertise to initiate, plan,
and conduct implementation research projects and facilitate research translation in decision making and action.
4. Ensure research capacity strengthening elements are integrated in the projects to enhance their
sustainability and scale up.
5. Represent TDR, establish new partnerships and raise funds to achieve IIR team objectives.
6. Assist in drafting of technical reports from the unit and TDR overall to be presented to donors, stakeholders or governing
bodies.
7. Communicate effectively on these activities and contribute to other TDR projets and activities as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: Masters degree in implementation research or social science applied to public health.
Desirable: PhD in implementation research.
WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution.
Skills:
Ability and expertise in methodologies to conduct implementation research within control programmes in disease endemic
countries. Expertise in public health and specifically global health issues. Broad knowledge of infectious disease of poverty. Good
knowledge of epidemiology.Demonstrated appreciation of the issues associated with research in low and middle income
countries. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with other experts and colleagues. Good communication
skills and ability to effectively interact with partners. Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
WHO Competencies:
1. Fostering integration and teamwork
2. Communicating in a credible and effective way
3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
4. Creating an empowering and motivating environment
5. Ensuring the effective use of resources
Experience:
Essential: At least 10 years' experience working in public health research with a balance between international and national
experience.
Proven record of leading international, multi-disciplinary, implementation research projects embedded in, and conducted with
disease control programmes in low-and middle-income countries.
Strong record of peer-reviewed research publications on implementation research.
Demonstrated ability to raise funds.
Track record in establishing effective and sustainable international partnerships.
Desirable: Experience working in WHO or or a UN agency.
Languages:
Expert knowledge of English required.
Intermediate knowledge of another Offical UN language would be desirable.
Additional Information:
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WHO:
http://www.who.int (To learn more about WHO's operations )
http://icsc.un.org Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date
WHO's salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a base salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living
in a particular duty station and exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel,
education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.
This vacancy is published in English only.
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.
Please visit the following website for detailed information on TDR:
http://www.who.int/tdr/en/
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
US 81704 at single rate

Post Adjustment: 93.6 % of the above figure(s). This percentage

is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur

US 87948 with primary dependants

each month either upwards or downwards due to currency

exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's eRecruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline
stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under
serious consideration will be contacted.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.