Director of Information, Evidence and Research (PD 343264)

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: EMRO/13/FT263 Title: Director of Information, Evidence and Research (PD 343264) Grade: D1 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  Post of limited duration of two years	Date: 25 June 2013 Application Deadline: 23 July 2013 (16 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Cairo, Egypt   Organization unit: EM Eastern Mediterranean (EM) Division of Information, Evidence and Research (IER)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Objectives of the Programme: The programmes to be covered in the area of Information, Evidence and Research will include, but not limited to, the health situation & trend assessment; vital statistics and country support; research development and EMJ, editorial, graphics and publishing and Global Arabic Programme. The division is at the service of the organization to facilitate intelligence production as a corporate function. The division provides Member States and EMRO staff with reliable health intelligence derived from health information and knowledge that is evidence based. It coordinates health information, evidence, research and innovation and facilitates collaboration within and outside the organization.
Description of duties: Purpose of the Post: To lead, inspire and direct all the programmes in the area of Information, Evidence and Research both managerially and technically. To develop a vision, strategy and plan of action for the overall area of Information, Evidence and Research that is in line with the Regional Director's vision and which is consistent with the priorities and needs of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. To champion and promote the regional policy in general and the Information, Evidence and Research strategy and plan of action in particular. Organizational Context: Reporting to the Director of Programme Management, the incumbent leads, directs, supervises, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the programmes under his/her supervision in line with the overall WHO policies and strategies, strategic partnerships with countries and stakeholders. Specifically, the tasks will entail technical coordination (to ensure synergy and added value in line with the divisional strategy and plan of action) and supervision of, and support to, the Regional Advisers to develop their specific technical programmes (to ensure each programme is evidence based and coordinated with others in the division and, where relevant, with programmes in other divisions). The director shall also be responsible for ensuring coordinated, effective and relevant technical support to the Member States in the region. Summary of Assigned Duties : Under the direct supervision of the Director of Programme Management, and the overall supervision of the Regional Director, the incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. Lead and direct the regional advisers in the relevant technical programmes and provide technical leadership in the formulation of regional policies on information, evidence, research and innovation. 2. Ensure effective management of human and financial resources for programmes under his/her direct supervision. 3. Promote intra- and inter-divisional teamwork in planning and management of programmes; initiate and coordinate capacity building in order to strengthen the integration of information, evidence, research and innovation within the organization. 4. In the information, evidence, and research area, coordinate and maintain liaison with partner agencies within the UN system as well as with other multilateral and bilateral development agencies (including development banks) and WHO Collaborating Centres for reviewing, planning, management and evaluation of sector-wide approaches. 5. Within WHO's overall policy framework, advise countries in the region on the development and strengthening of effective national health information systems, and harmonize the work of EMRO's technical units at regional and country levels, as well as with national authorities on follow-up actions on major global conferences, conventions, global and regional declarations/resolutions related to information, evidence and research. 6. Support the Regional Director and Director of Programme Management as part of the technical secretariat for the WHO governing bodies (World Health Assembly, Executive Board, Regional Committee) and other senior management and advisory meetings. 7. Serve as a member of EMRO's senior staff management and other senior advisory bodies, including acting as Director of Programme Management or other division directors during their absence when so designated by RD. 8. Support Member States in their overall efforts to integrate information, evidence, research and innovation in all strategic areas as required. 9. Work in close partnership with all relevant partners and stakeholders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and in the countries as appropriate and play a role in resources mobilization.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: First university degree and Master's degree in social sciences or health related fields. Desirable: Degree in medicine and/or PhD in a related field.
Skills:  Competencies: 1) Promoting WHO's position in health leadership 2) Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 3) Producing results 4) Promoting innovation and organizational learning 5) Ensuring the effective use of resources Functional Skills and Knowledge: - Strategic knowledge of the areas under supervision. - Leadership qualities including managerial skills to manage staff and budgets. - Political and diplomatic skills. - Thorough knowledge of WHO's mission, goals, policies, rules and regulations. Other Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office package (e.g. Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.).
Experience: Essential: Over 10 years of progressively responsible experience, of which 5 years are at the international level, with a proven track record in positions that required strong public health leadership of high-skilled professional teams in multidisciplinary settings. Desirable: Experience in modern management techniques, epidemiology, management of health information systems, risk factor and disease surveillance.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of another official WHO language will be an asset (recognized UN languages for the Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean are: English, French and Arabic)
Additional Information: - Applicants are kindly requested to pay attention to the screening questions as they will be used to screen out unqualified candidates. - Only qualified applicants with the relevant experience will be considered. - A written test/presentation and interviews will be used as a form of screening. The written test might be used as an eliminatory tool. - Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice (this could be the base for rosters). - Interviews will include competency-based questions.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 95394.00 at single rate USD 103204.00 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 39.4 % 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
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