Medical officer (pmtct)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME To end preventable deaths and promote the survival, good health and well-being throughout the life-course, taking into account the need to address health equity, universal health coverage, social determinants of health and human rights, with a focus on gender equality.To support countries to develop whole-of-society approaches to address health and human development needs throughout different stages of the life course, in particular in improving health of newborns, children, adolescents, adults of reproductive age and the ageing by ensuring universal access to quality, evidence-based preventive and life-saving interventions at all levels of the health care delivery system and appropriate linkages to community resources.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To provide technical support to countries covered by the IST in the preparation and implementation of sustainable strategies, policies, programmes and plans to reduce mother-to-child transmitted HIV and its impact on morbidity and mortality; as well as guidelines, policies and plans including but not limited to the uptake of antenatal services and HIV testing during pregnancy, use of antiretroviral treatment by pregnant women living with HIV, safe childbirth practices and appropriate infant feeding, uptake of infant HIV testing , treatment and retention as well as other post-natal healthcare services for the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and elimination of congenital syphilis(ECS). In addition the incumbent will support countries in the implementation the Global Health Sector Strategy on STIs. In countries covered by the IST, to identify and monitor the burden of mother-to-child transmitted illnesses, especially through health information systems and health research activities;To act as front line focal point to establish networks for exchange of experiences and data, in order to promote a sub-regional and integrated approach to PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS/STIs/Gender/Healthy Ageing programmes;To encourage and/or coordinate the collection, analysis and documenting of best practices among countries to develop and disseminate materials and guidelines which support the management of PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS/STIs/Gender/Healthy Ageing interventions as appropriate; To promote and facilitate capacity for mainstreaming gender and heathy ageing into policies, strategies and plans in IST countries.To liaise and collaborate closely with other programmes in RMNCH and SRH to foster integration of activities within the FRH cluster as well as the communicable disease cluster and socio determinants for health unit in AFROTo fully participate in the monitoring evaluation and reporting related to PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS, STIs, gender and Ageing programs in IST countries;To support the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships, including drafting proposals, to increase resource mobilization for PMTCT/EMTCT/ECS, Gender, and Healthy Ageing activities and interventions;To perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Medical degree and post graduate degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Public Health or Maternal and Child Health.

Desirable

• Specialized training in implementing HIV interventions and guidelines;Previous research related to PMTCT, STIs, Gender or healthy Ageing.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years' experience in national and international PMCTC activities, especially in the African Region. Working knowledge of the continuum of care between the health system and the community with respect to PMTCT interventions.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with communities to promote the concept of reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, STIs, Gender or healthy Ageing;
• Experience with intergovernmental agencies, the UN System or WHO and knowledge of national and regional partnerships and networks.

Skills

• Excellent technical expertise in emergency obstetric care and new born interventions, antenatal services, HIV testing during pregnancy, antiretroviral treatment, safe childbirth practices and appropriate infant feeding, infant HIV testing and other post-natal healthcare services;
• Strong record of implementing successful PMTCT action plans and interventions as well as Gender and , Healthy Ageing;
• Prior experience establishing PMTCT surveillance systems in stable and emergency situations, developing research proposals and accurately collating and interpreting PMTCT, STIs, gender and Ageing data;
• Proven ability to motivate and guide capacity building at national and sub-regional levels including advocacy and communicating critical PMTCT, Gender, and Healthy Ageingmessages;
• Demonstrated research and programme management skills including monitoring and evaluation and successful implementation of PMTCT policies, action plans and information, education and communication activities (IECs);
• Track record of working effectively with colleagues at all levels, and nationally and internationally to build capacity and develop partnerships including for resource mobilization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to promote consensus and new approaches.

• Proven presentation skills and the ability to write in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners in resource-limited contexts;
• Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Ensuring the effective use of resources

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese.

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 72,637 (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, and currently amounts to USD 1895 per month for the duty station indicated above. 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 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: . Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit:
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: . Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.