Coordinator (Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management)

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: HQ/13/HQ/FT227 Title: Coordinator (Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management) Grade: P-6 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  Two years	Date: 30 May 2013 Application Deadline: 11 July 2013 (4 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland   Organization unit: HQ Headquarters (HQ) / HQ/HTM HIV/AIDS, TB and Neglected Tropical Diseases (HQ/HTM) HQ/RCS Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management
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 contribute to improving health through development of excellence and leadership in research and decision making in disease endemic countries and providing a neutral platform for stakeholders to discuss, harmonize and build consensus around agenda setting, global health and translating research and capacity strengthening results into practice.
Description of duties: 1. Provide advice to the overall management of TDR, and be responsible for the preparation of the Scientific Technical Advisory Committee meeting in consultation with the Director. 2. Lead the Resarch Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management team, coordinate and have overall responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the team budget, workplan and results. 3. Lead the definition and development of strategies, portfolio of activities and budget for Resarch Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management, in consultation with relevant scientific advisory committees. 4. Align the Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management portfolio in the context of TDR's overall activities. 5. Efficiently document and report outputs, outcomes and impact of TDR supported activities to governing bodies and broad audiences. 6. Work and harmonize the Resarch Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management portfolio with TDR's Intervention Research and Vectors Environment and Society units to ensure that research capacity strengthening activities are integrated in research. 7. Provide Secretariat support and due responsiveness to scientific advisory committees serving the activities of the Resarch Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management functions, and to oversee follow up of their recommendations. 8. Manage, with the assistance of scientific advisory committees, the selection, initiation, monitoring, evaluation, closure and reporting of projects. 9. Promote high level policy discussion at global, regional and national level on issues associated with research policy, agenda and priority setting, empowerment, research leadership and capacity building in developing countries. 10. Proactively engage in partnerships and collaborations and identify opportunities for synergy and fund raising. 11. In coordination with WHO and other global research efforts, develop guidance and advice for international research to inform funders, policy makers and practitioners in the field. 12. Communicate TDR's Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management activities effectively and more broadly represent TDR and WHO to a large array of stakeholders, including governmental, international agencies and expert scientific meetings. 13. Serve as the focal point for all aspects of TDR's Research Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management and coordinate TDR's interface with WHO's disease control department and related partnerships. 14. Contribute to other TDR projects and activities as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential PhD related to international public health and communicable diseases. Desirable Medical degree.
Skills:  Strong track record in research management, research capacity strengthening and knowledge management in low and middle income countries. Good communication skills and ability to effectively negotiate interactions with internal and external partners including funders, and the ability to promote TDR's catalytic role in research. Ability to develop innovative concepts in a clear and concise manner. Sound knowledge of poverty-related infectious diseases and their control. Demonstrated appreciation of the issues associated with health research in developing countries. Ability to lead, guide and motivate partners towards success. Ability to contribute to TDR's strategic goals in a senior management group role. Excellent analytical and organizational skills. WHO Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way 3. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 4. Ensuring the effective use of resources 5. Promoting WHO's position in health leadership.
Experience: Essential At least 10 years' experience in health research at national and international level with a focus on poverty-related infectious diseases. Experience in leadership and management of research and capacity building programme. Experience in building research capacity and leadership in developing countries. Demonstrated achievements in creating partnerships and securing research programme funding. First-hand developing country work experience. Good publication record. Desirable Experience of working with or in the UN System or WHO.
Languages: Expert knowledge of English is required. Intermediate knowledge of another WHO official language is desirable.
Additional Information: Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this Vacancy Notice. This vacancy is published in English only. The following priority order will be observed in the screening of candidates: 1. WHO staff members (Continuing, Fixed-term and Temporary appointments), 2. External candidates.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 95394 at single rate USD 103204 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 103.3 % 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.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.