WHO is the United Nations’ specialized agency for Health. It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its member states usually through the Ministries of Health. WHO’s objective is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health. WHO's Secretariat is staffed by health professionals, other experts and support staff working at headquarters in Geneva, six regional offices and country offices.
Post: Scientist
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The mission of WHO IVB Department is to achieve a world in which all people at risk are protected against vaccine preventable diseases. One mission of the QSS team is to assure the quality and safety of vaccines and other biologicals through the development and establishment of global norms and standards including the development of: International Biologicals Standards and Reference Materials; robust quality control procedures; guidelines and recommendations on the production and control of biologicals; international consensus on quality, safety and standards issues. Technical advice is given to national regulatory authorities and national control laboratories regarding methods, requirements, international reference materials and how to use them.
Description of duties:
Under the supervision of the Group Leader NSB, Coordinator QSS and Director IVB, the incumbent will plan activities and fulfill the objectives of the QSS programme of work assuming technical responsibility and supervision for standardization with regard to the following objectives:
Objective 1: Provide scientific leadership, coordination and technical supervision in the development, establishment and implementation of new, and updating of existing WHO recommendations/guidelines for the production, quality control and evaluation of selected vaccines and other biologicals according to priorities.
Objective 2: Coordinate and provide technical leadership of activities related to the development and establishment of WHO International Standards and Reference Materials for selected vaccines and other biologicals.
Objective 3: Act as WHO focal point to promote the use of WHO regulatory standards for vaccines and other biologicals. Promote the use of WHO regulatory standards and implementation of WHO regulatory guidelines for vaccines and other biologicals through the network of users. Liaise with colleagues in IVB, EMP/QSM and WHO Regional Offices to ensure timely exchange of information regarding the development and availability of standards for biologicals. Assist in providing technical support to regulators and manufacturers of vaccines and other biologicals. Coordinate review of IVB documents and provide information on issues related to standardization, evaluation and regulation of vaccines.
Objective 4: Perform other duties as assigned by Group Leader, NSB, Coordinator, QSS and Director, IVB. Act as NSB focal point for WHO Collaborating Centers and other relevant organizations. Coordinate work of Collaborating Centers in the area of vaccines and other biologicals and related topics.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential
Degree in medical, biological or pharmaceutical sciences from a recognized university with postgraduate degree (PhD) level in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related subject.
Desirable
Scientific publications in medical microbiology and immunology would be an advantage.
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Skills:
Excellent knowledge of microbiology and immunology and expertise in production, evaluation or regulation of vaccines and biologicals recognized in the international professional network.
Experience in developing reference materials and in standardizing biological assay procedures.
Excellent negotiating and consultative skills.
Proven ability to build consensus and collaborate with public health officials, private sector representatives and relevant expert groups.
Good understanding of the need of users of WHO standards and proven ability to provide technical advice.
Tact and diplomacy.
Extensive computer skills.
WHO Competencies:
1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Knowing and managing yourself
3. Producing results.
Experience:
Essential
A minimum of seven years experience in standardizing, controlling and licensing vaccines and other biologicals.
In-depth knowledge and experience in regulatory evaluation and a broad range of vaccines and other biologicals.
Experience with the use of biological standards.
Experience at international level.
Desirable
Experience in harmonizing global approaches to ensure worldwide quality and safety of vaccines and other biologicals.
Expertise in the evaluation of safety and efficacy of a broad range of vaccines and other biologicals.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is essential. A working knowledge of French would be an asset.
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 67395 at single rate
USD 72373 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.
Grade: P4
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duration of contract: One year
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Organization unit: HQ/FCH Family and Community Health (HQ/FCH) / HQ/IVB Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (HQ/IVB) HQ/QSS Quality, Safety and Standards
Vacancy Notice No: HQ/11/FCH/FT335
Application Deadline: 3 November 2011 (12 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications
To Apply Online CLICK HERE
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