Technical Officer

TECHNICAL OFFICER (HQ/11/NMH/TA42)
29 March 2011
The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: HQ/11/NMH/TA42
Title: Technical Officer
Grade: P3
Contract type: Temporary appointment
Duration of contract: 12 months
Date: 28 March 2011
Application Deadline: 18 April 2011
Duty Station: Kobe, Japan
Organization unit: HQ/NMH Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (HQ/NMH), HQ/WKC WHO Centre for Health Development (Kobe, Japan) (HQ/WKC)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :

The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre, WKC) conducts research on health in development with a focus on how social, economic, environmental and technological determinants impact on health equity, particularly in the urban setting.

The Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART) aids decision-making to address health inequities in cities. It is based on the principles elicited by the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the World Health Report 2008 on Primary Health Care. The development of the tool was coordinated by WKC with inputs from international organizations, experts, and local and

national officials from 17 cities in 10 countries where the tool was pilot-tested in 2008-09. In 2010-11, Urban HEART is being scaled up to new cities around the world with a number of capacity building workshops for local and national officials. Simultaneously, the cities that piloted Urban HEART are in the process of documenting and evaluating their experience and outcomes.

Description of duties:

1. Coordinate the scale up of Urban HEART in cities through:
a. Follow up with WHO regional offices on the status of implementation of Urban HEART in cities where officials have been trained during 2010-11 biennium;
b. Provide technical assistance to cities that are implementing Urban HEART including assistance in writing reports and conducting analysis;
2. Provide support to cities that piloted Urban HEART to document and evaluate their experiences:
a. Prepare terms of reference for documentation and evaluation of piloting of Urban HEART in 17 pilot cities in 2008-09;
b.Coordinate with WHO regional offices and identifying appropriate institutions to conduct the documentation and evaluation;
c. Liaise with local and national officials, and respective institutions for completing the documentation and evaluation of piloting Urban HEART;
3. Conduct research and literature review as required in relation to the topic of urban health equity;
4. Maintain and update Urban HEARTs communication platforms such as the website and mailing list;
5. Other relevant duties as necessary and appropriate.

Main achievements include:
1. Provided technical and other necessary support for cities implementing Urban HEART;
2. Completed documentation and evaluation of Urban HEART pilot experiences;
3. Contributed to new research and/or analysis on urban health equity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
* Essential:
Masters degree or equivalent in social science, public health or related subject.
* Desirable:
PhD in social science, public health, public policy or related subject.

Skills:
 - Familiarity with concepts and debates related to health equity, social determinants of health approaches and primary health care;
 - Excellent communication, organizational and networking skills;
 - Strong research and problem-solving skills including ability to plan own work and manage priorities;
 - Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines;
 - Ability to function effectively in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural team;
 - Expertise in organizing and managing evidence/information/research dissemination;
 - Ability to produce technical and scientific reports, and produce visual presentations;

WHO Competencies
1. Producing results
2. Communicating in a credible and effective way
3. Moving forward in a changing environment

Experience:
* Essential:
At least five years experience in public health or related field, of which at least two years should be at the international level; Experience in training and working with national and local government officials; Experience in conducting public health or related research.
* Desirable:
Previous experience with WHO and familiarity with the United Nations system; Experience in publication of research findings.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English required.
Excellent knowledge of Japanese and another WHO language desirable.

Additional Information:
Only applications from WHO candidates will be considered.
For WHO staff please see e-manual III.4.1, para 220.
A written test may be used for screening purposes.
Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice.
This vacancy is published in English only.

Annual salary:
(Net of tax)
USD 56'018 at single rate
USD 60'013 with primary dependants

Post Adjustment:
151.1 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

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.