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Qualifications

 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 NTDs, and effective services towards Universal Health Coverage. The WCO-lndia Programme of work supports the Government of India (Gol) in, (i) Providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and programmes activities for elimination of NTDs including leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, snakebite, rabies and others contributing to the strengthening and monitoring of the prevention and control of NTDs; (ii) Facilitating adoption of evidence based public health interventions in NTD and relevant areas (such as related co-morbidities) and transitioning of existing programmes and health systems reforms with the aim to promote people centered care, equity and accelerate the movement towards Universal Health Coverage and NTD elimination; (iii) Strengthening strategic information for evidence-based planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment of results of the national response to NTD elimination; and (iv) Facilitating the integration of NTD services with the general health services/National Health Mission.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO, all the Member States of WHO in the South-East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO’s actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying, (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals;

(iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; and (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. The South-East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India’s population of 1.4 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 aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems as well as of 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 the WHO Country Office 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.

India has achieved the threshold of kala-azar elimination as a public health problem in 2023 and is mounting its response to sustain this achievement. WHO Country office is supporting National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control to build programme capacity for dossier preparation, validation of elimination in state and below and finally prepare a national dossier for kala-azar free certification. The objective of this consultancy is to support and build state and national level capacity for preparation (and development) of a comprehensive dossier for the validation of Kala-Azar elimination, ensuring alignment with national strategies and WHO guidelines, and facilitating the validation of kala-azar elimination in India.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall direction of the WHO Representative to India, guidance from Deputy WHO Representative and the direct supervision of Team Leader (Communicable Diseases) the incumbent will have the following responsibilities to:

• Provide technical and strategic support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) on compiling and structuring data and information required for the Kala-Azar elimination validation dossier. 
• Collaborate with the NCVBDC, and allied departments in MoHFW, and relevant stakeholders to gather and verify data, ensuring it meets evidence-based guidelines and policies. 
• Facilitate multi-sectoral partnerships to consolidate efforts towards dossier preparation and validation processes. 
• Lead the preparation of a clear and comprehensive dossier that includes strategic information, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data, and case studies on Kala-Azar elimination efforts. 
• Ensure the dossier reflects accurate data on prevention, control, treatment, and care strategies and outcomes. 
• Support building capacity of national and subnational networks for effective data collection and reporting relevant to the dossier. 
• Facilitate and conduct trainings and orientation of national and sub-national program managers in dossier preparation for KA elimination validation. 
• Conduct regular field visit in KA endemic area to strengthen program ensuring best practices in documentation from block level to national level as per WHO standards. 
• Guide and mentor the network of NTD field consultants in understanding dossier preparation processes and requirements. 
• Incorporate the One Health approach into the dossier by ensuring zoonotic and NTD collaborations are documented and highlighted as part of the elimination strategy. 
• Support the utilization of implementation research and evidence in the dossier to inform policy and decision-making, working closely with NCVBDC and national research institutes. 
• Ensure sustainability and monitoring of drug procurement and supply chain management are documented in the dossier, ensuring the use of quality-assured products. 
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure the dossier meets WHO standards and is ready for submission. 
• Prepare a manuscript for publication in biomedical journals documenting the kala-azar elimination as a public health problem in India. 
• Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities related to the dossier preparation as assigned by supervisors. 

Education

Essential: Master’s in health sciences/ biological sciences or related discipline from a recognized university.

Desirable: PhD in vector borne diseases with publications.

Experience

Essential: At least two (2) years of professional experience in the management and implementation of vector borne diseases with experience and understanding of Kala-Azar program from block-level to national level.

Desirable: Working experience in Kala-Azar program and experience of working in NCVBDC will be an advantage.

Functional Skills

• The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization. Thorough knowledge of the situation in India about NTDs, especially on Kala- azar, and other neglected tropical diseases with good understanding of country’s needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of control of health systems organisation. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas. 
• Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. 
• Leadership, coordination and supervision skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and subnational levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. 
• Ability to analyse, synthesize, evaluate, interpret and consolidate information from multiple sources and use for public health decision making and advocacy. 
• Proven 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. 
• Modem management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.). 
• Demonstrated skill in the formulation, design, development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. 
• 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. 
• Strong expertise in National Kala-Azar Elimination Program of India, public health, and healthy system in India. 
• Proven experience in data analysis, policy development, or dossier preparation. 
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders. 
• Ability to provide strategic advice and support capacity-building initiatives. 
• Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage. 

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork 
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication 
• Producing results 
• Ensuring the effective use of resources 

Use of Language Skills

 Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.

REMUNERATION

Monthly remuneration is INR 218,855 (NOB) taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he will be posted at New Delhi. The position may require extensive travel (can be upto15 days in a month) to the states and districts.

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 NationsEducational, 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 </s