OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objective of the Research Unit is to lead and facilitate the processes for conducting country-led, well-coordinated, cross-organizational, high quality and outcome-focused research and to generate impactful health research to improve the health of populations in the African Region. This contributes to building and sustaining resilient health systems that provide equitable access to quality essential health services to people across the life course using people-centered approaches. The Unit seeks to facilitate the process of applying research to achieve impact for people’s health in the areas of research and development in the WHO African Region by: supporting countries to develop and implement policies and strategies for scaling-up the translation of new evidence and impact in Member States; promoting and supporting priority research in countries according to the unmet needs of Members States, including strengthening partnerships; and promoting appropriate options for governance for research, including promoting ethical considerations in related decision making. The goal is to enable countries in the WHO African Region to ensure evidence-based policies and strategies are in place to achieve universal access to high-quality, integrated, people-centered health services, increase the coverage and quality of effective interventions, and to create mechanisms to measure the impact of those strategies and interventions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Administer, review and update the library databases such as AIM, AFROLIB, & IRIS; and that of the Global Index Medicus-WHO/BIREME.
• Proactively maintain the use of database results by setting and enforcing standards and controls, advising and guiding users and responding to queries and demands on data base use.
• and participating in design and programming; Regularly upgrade hardware and software by assessing transaction processing and database production options.
• and review database performance by troubleshooting problems and proposing improvements and solutions.
• Provide statistics on the use the AFRO library’s databases with particular attention to updating and archiving the information disseminated by the WHO/AFRO Library on Intranet.
• Oversee the use of the Multimedia center to facilitate health literacy search on Internet and to boost use of the dedicated workspace.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of Secondary, technical or commercial school certificate.
Desirable: Degree in library and/or information management services or qualifications in health library services. Training or specialization in or sound understanding of public health and/or health systems.

Experience

Essential: At least eight (8) years’ experience library and information services at the national or international level with experience in library administration.
Desirable: Some experience in strategic and planning, as well as facilitating consultations.

Skills

• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement inputs from several sources, including but limited to select publications and references for users.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Proven knowledge of library publications and references management.
• Proven track record in all aspects of library work and information services management in the health field, including developing new and review of existing guidelines
• Proven knowledge of library publications and references management
• Excellent knowledge of protocol of library practices and WHO rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
• Tact, discretion and ability to act with courtesy and discretion.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write and produce documents in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance while ensuring effective work practices and ethics.
• Tact, discretion and ability to act with courtesy and discretion. Incumbent is expected to maintain computer skills in MS Office, Outlook, PowerPoint and the Global Management System (GSM).

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: Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese.

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at XAF 11,368,000 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

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

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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