Technical Officer (Data Science and Innovation) Vacancy-Job Ref: JKCGWHO/2102/202482

Technical Officer (Data Science and Innovation) Vacancy-Job Ref: JKCGWHO/2102/202482

Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Science and Innovation Unit in the Assistant Regional Director cluster is a newly established office, with the overall objective to lead and facilitate the science agenda to improve the health of populations in the African Region. The Unit seeks to facilitate the process of applying science and innovation to achieve impact for people’s health in the WHO African Region by: developing, supporting and promoting a regional science agenda and strategy, promoting R&D, collaborating with HQ science division and linking Regional Office ensuring African participation in global initiatives e.g. clinical trials, supporting the establishment of new institutions, working with WHO Collaborating Centres, regional health institutions, research institutions, academia and other health Agencies.

The Science and Innovation Units seeks to promote Science leadership in the region and developing guidance related to evidence, norms, and standards. The goal is to enable countries in the WHO African Region ensure science and product innovation are effectively leveraged to achieve universal access coverage. The Regional Office’s coordinating role for science is especially important in ensuring that access to new therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines under development is equitable and that they are available to all who need them. More specifically, the Science and Innovation Unit will focus on coordinating Science activities for the African Region using all available platforms.

Setting the science and R&D agenda to address gaps, emerging areas, and country priorities in collaboration with other teams in ARD and other clusters Strengthening confidence in science, Foresight in identifying emerging technologies, by striving to stay ahead of the curve, understanding what is needed to improve health for all in the future, and where the best new ideas are emerging. Leveraging and upscaling product innovations for better health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the Team Lead, and in close collaboration with the Technical support officer, the incumbent will be responsible for:Work and collaborate with the team lead and other team members to support critical areas of work and contribute to all relevant science, innovation and R & D activities. Support technical programs and strategies to develop and strengthen national capacities in the Region for the design, adoption and implementation of science, innovation, research and development programs. Collaborate in the design and implementation of regional, subregional and national plans and roadmaps related to the implementation of science, innovation, research and development programs.

Provide technical assistance with the development and adaptations of tools, guidelines and standards, related to science, innovation, research and development programsCollaborate and support the team in the preparation of grants and proposals to be submitted for resource mobilizationPrepare various written outputs, conduct research, support proposal development, report writing, preparation of documents and briefing materials as required. Assist with the development of workplans and activity budgets, and support monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project implementation.

Support the team lead and unit in communicating the achievements and results of the work of the Science and Innovation programme.Support the units’ efforts to coordinate stakeholders and work with partners and support the promotion of public understanding, advocacy and awareness in the units work areaProvide substantive support for consultative meetings, conferences, preparation for, and participation in inter-programmatic and cross-organizational working groups, and other internal and external fora, as required Perform other related responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Essential: A bachelor’s degree in life science, public health, medicine or any other health field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.
Desirable: A master’s degree or postgraduate studies in a health discipline related to the functions of the post would be an asset

EXPERIENCE
Essential: A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in related public health fields. Additional experience at international/global level is an advantage
Desirable:

SKILLS
Proven writing and communication skillsProven interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics.Diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.Demonstrated ability to work within a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team(s).Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities.

WHO COMPETENCIES
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.
Desirable:
The above language requirements are interchangeable.

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