OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. HRP is operated from within the World Health Organization’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). The Department draws on HRP research and global expertise to generate evidence, strengthen health systems, and impact lives through work to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines, and to support programme development in sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/hrpThe Prevention of Unsafe Abortion Unit (PUA) aims for access to abortion as integral to health and human rights as universally recognized respected and realized. The Unit works to provide global strategic leadership to drive research, innovation, and to promote accountability and support the development of an enabling environment for comprehensive abortion care.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent provides specialized technical support to Member States to facilitate the use of normative products and evidence-based tools and develops and implements research, technological and methodological innovations, and evidence synthesis in comprehensive abortion care. In conducting this work, the incumbent develops and liaises on international collaborative efforts, engages in WHO Organization-wide initiatives, and contributes to policy development and advocacy activities in the field, contributing to the broader goal of improving sexual and reproductive health and rights globally. Focusing on comprehensive abortion care, the incumbent will:

1. Serve as a technical and scientific reference in comprehensive abortion care among the peer community, Member States, cosponsors and other UN.
2. Develop evidence-based tools and resources to support HRP/WHO normative products on comprehensive abortion care and facilitate the adaptation and utilization of these in programmes and policies towards improving the quality of care.
3. Contribute to research priority setting, drawing on the scientific literature, recommendations of HRP advisory bodies, and input from Member States and cosponsoring agencies, colleagues, managers, and other stakeholders. Based on research priorities developed, the incumbent will develop short-term operational plans and longer-term strategic plans for research and development in this area.
4. Design and implement research, assessment and training activities in comprehensive abortion care, including:
   1. the development of research protocols,
   2. identification and recruitment of national partner research institutions,
   3. drafting and production of research agreements,
   4. organization of scientific meetings,
   5. organization and facilitation of training workshops,
   6. conducting research site monitoring visits,
   7. identify and collaborate with data management companies or organizations,
   8. management of the network of institutions participating in the research projects,
   9. analysis, write-up and publication of results,
   10. evaluation of processes and results in preparation for subsequent projects.
5. Synthesize evidence, carry out and commission systematic reviews of the literature in the field, input to evidence-based clinical and managerial guidelines.
6. Provide guidance to counterparts in Member States, UN agencies, and other inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies on scientific and technical matters, working in close collaboration with WHO Regional and Country Offices.
7. Prepare technical progress reports governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors.
8. Develop and draft manuscripts adequate publication in the scientific literature of research outputs and coordinate related communications activities to strengthen the dissemination, adaptation, and use of WHO and HRP outputs by WHO Member States, working in close collaboration with the HRP communications team and the WHO Department of Communications.
9. Collaborate with counterparts in governments, NGOs, the private sector, and other stakeholders to generate and use evidence for increased access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
10. Undertake fundraising activities for increased financial support for this programme of work.
11. Carry out other tasks as required by the Unit Head and Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, or midwifery or another field related to sexual and reproductive health.
Desirable: Specialized training in sexual and reproductive health

Experience

Essential:

• At least 7 years of experience in research or programme management relating to sexual and reproductive health, including a focus on comprehensive abortion care, in multiple country contexts, including in low-and middle-income countries.
• At least 5 years of direct experience coordinating or leading either research or implementation projects on comprehensive abortion care.
• Experience in developing training and learning materials on comprehensive abortion care.

Desirable: Working experience in a UN agency or an international non-governmental organization in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of comprehensive abortion care and its public health aspects.
• Strong analytical and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by a strong track record of peer-review scientific publication in sexual and reproductive health and rights, at least some of which is focused on comprehensive abortion care.
• Fundraising knowledge and skills.
• Strong communication and diplomatic skills.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 77,326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5806 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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 E-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 workforce. 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 short-listed candidates.

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

• 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.

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• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the Professional category with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• 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.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements