Job: National Professional Officer (HIV Anti- Retroviral Treatment (ART) Care & Support),

Location: New Delhi, India
Deadline: Tuesday, 13 August 2013 

Description

NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICER ((HIV ANTI- RETROVIRAL TREATMENT (ART), CARE & SUPPORT) (WRO/VN/2013/9)

17 July 2013

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

Vacancy Notice No: WRO/VN/2013/9

Title: National Professional Officer ((HIV Anti- Retroviral Treatment (ART), Care & Support)

Grade: NO-C

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Duration of contract: Two Years

Date: 17 July 2013

Application Deadline: 13 August 2013

Duty Station: New Delhi, India

Organization unit: SEARO Countries (SE_ACO), SE_IND WR Office, India (SE_IND)

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 the area of HIV/AIDS and aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health related risks.

The WCO-India programme of work supports the GOI in :

1. Enunciating options for and supporting the integration of health related HIV/AIDS services with the general health services/ national health mission (rural & urban);

2. Enhancing universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care services along with cost-effective service delivery mechanisms to deal with HIV/AIDS related co-morbidities;

3. Supporting the nationwide rollout of the WHO-2010 guidelines for elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV as part of the enhanced maternal and child health services;

4. Policy advocacy and building capacity for the adoption of the new 'treatment as prevention' strategies and evaluating their impact on HIV incidence;

5. Strengthening strategic Information areas for evidence based planning, implementation and assessment of results of the National Aids Control Programme (NACP) with a focus on HIV case reporting and effective linkages of existing and envisaged information systems.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

All the Member States of WHO in the South East Asia Region (SEAR) 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.

The seven point global health agenda contained in WHO's Eleventh General Programme of Work (2006-2015) includes: (i) investing in health to reduce poverty; (ii) building individual and global health security; (iii) promoting universal coverage, gender equality and health related human rights; (iv) tackling determinants of health; (v) strengthening health systems and equitable access; (vi) harnessing knowledge, science and technology; and (vii) strengthening governance, leadership and accountability.

WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.

WHO - SEAR is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, including India's population of 1.2 billion. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both the aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

Within the framework of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of WCO-India is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

Purpose of the Position

Contribute to implementation of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy with the Government of India by supporting the work of the WHO Country Office for India in the area of HIV/AIDS with a view to help the Government of India to further develop policies, strategies and interventions aiming at improving the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and at further integrating the delivery of HIV/AIDS related services and move to Universal Health Coverage.

Description of duties:

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India and the direct supervision of Coordinator, Health Programmes, with a view to help achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial work plans in accordance with WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy with India (2012-2017), as a part of WCO- India team working on health system, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities to :

1. Provide technical support in the area of prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment) while helping implement the related component of GOI-WHO collaborative program in India, with special emphasis given to the promotion and implementation of 'treatment as prevention' strategies and to the progressive integration of HIV/AIDS related services

2. Liaise and maintain regular good working relations with concerned technical units/departments of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (especially the National AIDS Control Organization-NACO) and other stakeholders with a view to facilitate the formulation and adoption of HIV/AIDS relevant policies, strategies and decisions.

3. Facilitate/support the implementation of activities defined in the WHO Country Office for India work plan for the area of HIV/AIDS. Collaborate with state, national authorities, non-governmental organizations and international organizations and other stakeholders to plan for relevant activities and facilitate the implementation.

4. Follow-up, monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of work in the area of HIV/AIDS as required in the GOI-WHO health programs. Identify and liaise with national centers of excellence through closely working with those centers and assist in their designation and support the work of WHO Collaborating Centers.

5. Support the development of research in relevant areas and help build national capacities in the area of HIV/AIDS.

6. Support information brokering/exchange function of the WCO India through contribution to the health information repository at the WCO by collation analysis and sharing of relevant health information and statistics.

7. Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:

University Degree in Medicine, Public Health or social science.

Desirable:

Postgraduate degree in Medicine (infectious diseases) or public health.

Skills:

1. The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization.

2. Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases (especially sexually transmitted diseases) with good understanding of country's needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of access to prevention services, care and treatment. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas.

3. Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. Leadership 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.

Modern 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.

4. Knowledge of WHO /UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

Competencies:

1. Producing results

2. Fostering integration and teamwork

3. Moving forwards in a changing environment

4. Ensuring the effective use of resources

5. Building and Promoting Partnerships Across the Organization and Beyond

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

Excellent knowledge of computer applications; ability to make oral and written presentations on technical issues; and ability to write detailed, coherent, and concise briefing documents.

Experience:

Essential:

At least 5 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of health programmes at national / state level in the area of HIV/AIDS.

Desirable:

Experience of work in UN and/or other international organization.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and knowledge of Hindi.

Additional Information:

THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO LOCAL RECRUITMENT AND WILL BE FILLED ONLY BY A NATIONAL OF INDIA.

Annual salary:

(Net of tax)

INR 25,59,470/- at single rate

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 e-Recruitment 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.