Project Officer (Gates Foundation project)

The objectives of the tobacco control programme in WHO is to reduce the global burden of disease and death caused by tobacco, thereby protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. This is accomplished through providing global policy leadership; encouraging mobilization at all levels of society; and promoting the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The WHO FCTC encourages countries to adhere to its principles, and the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI)Programme supports them in their efforts to implement tobacco control measures based on its provisions. The tobacco control programme in AFRO seeks to influence national and international efforts to achieve tobacco control policies that are pro-public health, and also to increase the ability of Member States to manage the opportunities related to implementation of the WHO FCTC. The World Health Organization is the recipient of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant to implement model, sustainable sub-regional tobacco control capacity building and to work with Member State Governments in the African Region to promote tobacco-control oriented policy change.
Description of duties: Under the broad guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer (Gates), and in collaboration with TFI AFRO and the Global Coordination Team at TFI HQ, the incumbent: 1. Provides technical, tobacco control-specific programmatic expertise and guidance relevant to the establishment of the African Tobacco Control Resource Centre (ATCRC); 2. Assesses leading tobacco control practices and research to identify innovative approaches and models for integration into the ATCRC's initiatives; 3. Advises the Director of the ATCRC in developing and implementing the Centre's initial tobacco control capacity building trainings, product and service offerings; 4. Liaises on the technical level with ATCRC's external partners and technical counterparts within WHO and relevant AFR Member State governments to forward the work of the ATCRC; 5. Identifies and evaluates tobacco control research opportunities for the ATCRC and encourages national counterparts to seek new scientific courses of investigation, building tobacco control capacity and sustainability; 6. Provides the Senior Project Officer (Gates) with advice on attainment of the ATCRC tobacco control programme objectives and execution options, within the agreed operational parameters; 7. Any other appropriate duties and functions, as required by the Senior Project Officer (Gates)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: Advanced degree in public health, administration or policy. Desirable: Training in tobacco control
Skills: Excellent track record in tobacco control programme planning and implementation at the national or international levels; Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in complex tobacco control project; Proven ability to develop and support health programmes in developing countries, preferably in countries with a high burden of tobacco use and resource-limited settings; Ability to communicate and write in a clear and concise manner; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance; Tact, discretion and diplomacy; Ability to work under tight deadlines and on a results oriented basis; Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions.
Experience: Required 7 years experience in public health programmes, policy or research at national and international levels, including one year of experience at the international level in a governmental, academic or international organization or institution. At least 3 years of experience in tobacco control. Experience in the African Region. Proven experience in public health programmes in developing countries, drawing on best practices and working well with partners, internal and external. Demonstrated familiarity with the WHO FCTC, related instruments, implementation and institutions is essential. Desirable Experience in WHO, with a broad understanding of the Organization's mandate and work in the field of tobacco control. Good track record in tobacco control projects, research or policy. Ability to communicate tobacco control technical and policy issues at various occasions (e.g., meetings with Governments, policy makers, press conferences, seminars and conferences). Innovativeness and strong organizational skills with capacity to handle stress while working complex tasks. Strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working collaboratively with others from a range of disciplines and cultures.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and French.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 67395 at single rate USD 72373 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 26.7 % 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.
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