WHO : Technical Officer, Environmental Health and Epidemiology – Seoul

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    $129,134 - $168,471 / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    19 hours ago
  • Category:
    Environment and Natural Resources, Healthcare
  • Deadline:
    22/01/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Qualifications

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Centre’s objectives are to: (1) generate scientific information, monitor  trends and analyze evidence for advocacy, programmes, policies and action on health, environment and climate change;  (2) assist Member States in developing policies to protect and promote health and well-being by adapting global norms and standards, building capacity and providing technical assistance; and (3) engage with different sectors, relevant international agencies and donors, and stakeholders to accelerate policy and action on climate and health in the Western Pacific region and beyond.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will report to the Unit Head, Healthy Environments and Sustainable Urban Systems. Within the delegated authority and in collaboration with other specialists at the Centre, HQs and in other offices, the specialist will strengthen the identification and management of environmental risk factors to human health, maintaining good relations with national and regional counterparts, risk assessment institutions and United Nations agencies to network and coordinate joint action programmes such as climate change and health and chemical risk assessment programmes.

Generic Duties

  • Provide specialized technical support in the area of Health and Environment, ensuring that the activities in this area are well planned and coordinated and are carried out efficiently and effectively.
  • Provide technical and policy advice on the development and implementation of national policies and strategies to promote multisectoral response for reduction and management of environmental risk factors to protect human health.
  • Lead the development of guidance to Member States to undertake situation analysis and needs assessment for addressing health and environment linkages and advocate for adequate technical and strategic support to Member States in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national plans of joint action.
  • Design and establish regional strategies and policies through negotiation with relevant authorities and advocate for initiatives in the areas of environmental health to implement multilateral environmental agreements.
  • Lead and conduct research on impact of the major international environmental instruments and on various topics including risk factor assessment and management.
  • Ensure and strengthen capacity building in environmental epidemiology, climate change and health, and the related cross cutting areas.
  • Act as a technical advisor to the public concerning health and environment linkages to prevent diseases and to create health supportive environments. Respond to inquiries from the media, national or other institutions, and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.
  • Promote and establish new community outreach activities to facilitate the expansion of community-based networks for improved health environment targeted towards controlling and preventing diseases.
  • Enable partnerships with national counterparts, technical departments at HQ and negotiate with partners (UN and bilateral) to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to the work programme and resolve issues or concerns and seek funding for new projects and workplans.
  • Represent WHO at various meetings.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties

  • Liaise with the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other sectors working on climate change and health.
  • In collaboration with DPS, liaise with SIDS initiatives relating to climate change, the environment and health.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in public health or environmental sciences, or a similar field, or in epidemiology with focus on environmental determinants of health.

Desirable: Ph.D. in public health, epidemiology, or another field related to environmental health.

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/ . 

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, including relevant international exposure, in developing policies and strategies targeted at reduction and control of environmental elements of diseases. Within this experience, demonstrated professional experience at country and/or regional level providing technical advice and services to governments and partners on environmental health initiatives and experience in relevant epidemiological research and assessments.

Desirable: Work experience or familiarity with WHO and UN agencies.

Skills

  • Excellent knowledge and expertise of global and regional level situations with regard to policies, strategies and regulatory mechanisms governing the planning of health and environment related interventions.
  • Sound knowledge of relevant regional needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
  • Ability to conduct research and analyze results, identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening risk assessment and health care systems.
  • Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Excellent knowledge of scientific and technical issues pertaining to health and environment linkages.
  • Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty.
  • Excellent writing, communication and public speaking skills.
  • Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

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. 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 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.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements