Scientist Grade: P5

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The objective of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty in which disease endemic countries play a pivotal role. The objective of the unit is to develop new, and optimize the use of currently available, treatments for helminths and other neglected tropical diseases and to undertake appropriately oriented implementation research e.g. targeted at disease elimination.
Description of duties: 1. Manage research to support the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian sub-continent. 2. Serve as focal point for collaboration with the Regional Technical Advisory Group (RTAG) convened by SEARO to oversee visceral leishmaniasis elimination. 3. Equitably and proactively engage with scientists and institutions in the region and so contribute to, and facilitate, regional and country efforts to develop sustainable local research capacity and leadership. 4. Manage the development and production of reports and publications arising from this work and provide input into corporate TDR documentation. 5. Commission, oversee and manage contracts to best WHO and TDR practice in pursuance of this work. 6. Liaise with TDR staff and WHO HQ and regional office focal points on issues arising from the work and to utilize their input and expertise, together with external input, in taking this work forward. 7. Provide expert advice as required, and appropriate support to, TDR, WHO and external stakeholders in their endeavors in this area. 8. Manage activities in a way that is coherent within the unit, synergizes with other TDR activities and synergizes with other global research efforts. 9. Communicate effectively on these activities, and more broadly represent TDR, to a broad array of stakeholders, including to governmental and international agencies and to associated high level and expert scientific meetings, in a manner that reinforces TDR's vision and promotes a pivotal role in global research for disease endemic countries.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: MD or PhD, in a field relevant to the position. Desirable: Post-graduate degree related to tropical diseases and / or international health.
Skills: Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 3. Communicating in a credible and effective way 4. Ensuring the effective use of resources 5. Promoting innovation and organizational learning Demonstrated expertise in leishmaniasis and field-based project management. Sound knowledge of infectious poverty-related diseases and their control. Demonstrated understanding of issues associated with visceral leishmaniasis elimination on the Indian sub-continentAbility to work in a team and collaborate with other experts and colleagues. Ability to lead, guide and motivate partners towards success and to manage and plan strategies in relation to objectives. Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to develop innovative concepts in a clear and concise manner. Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills with ability to promote consensus and develop effective work practices and ethics. Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.
Experience: Essential: At least 10 years' experience in research at national and international level designing, leading and conducting field-based research on leishmaniasis. Good publication record. Desirable: First-hand developing country work experience. Experience in the UN System or WHO.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English with a working knowledge of other WHO language desirable.
Additional Information: Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice. This vacancy is published in English only. Only applications from WHO candidates will be considered.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) $80 629 at single rate $86 791 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 106.7 % 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.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.