Short term consultant for WHO-WPRO, Papua New Guinea

Submitted by floX on Mon, 10/31/2011 - 10:56

Short term consultant, communicable diseases and response, WHO-WPRO, based in Papua New Guinea: To effectively manage communicable diseases through surveillance and response programme in the country in order to minimize the social and economic impact and to reduce morbidity and mortality from communicable diseases and promote the development of epidemiological and related services, by strengthening surveillance including reporting, investigation, response and epidemic-preparedness for communicable diseases.
Deadline for application: as soon as possible
For more information: see below and contact: Dr Fabian Ndenzako ndenzakof@wpro.who.int

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Title: Epidemiologist (Emerging Diseases Surveillance & Response)
Duty Station: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Contract start date: As soon as possibleDuration of contract: 2-3months
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Contact person: Dr Fabian Ndenzako ndenzakof@wpro.who.int
Purpose of the Post: To effectively manage communicable diseases through surveillance and response programme in the country in order to minimize the social and economic impact and to reduce morbidity and mortality from communicable diseases and promote the development of epidemiological and related services, by strengthening surveillance including reporting, investigation, response and epidemic-preparedness for communicable diseases.
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme): To provide technical assistance to the Government, partners and national counterparts in strengthening the capacity building programme for communicable disease surveillance and response on avian influenza and other emerging threats, in line with the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) and in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005). Coordinate responses to communicable disease outbreaks/epidemics with various focuses at regional and country levels as appropriate. Participate in training for and monitoring epidemiological services.
Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.; available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization): Under the supervision of the WHO Country Representative, as a member of ESR team, the incumbent routinely contributes to the activities aimed at strengthening of surveillance and response to communicable diseases in Papua New Guinea. Main technical guidelines are available from the various resolutions and documents listed in the profiles of the Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response (ESR), including APSED, IHR (2005), project agreements and project documents. General guidelines available include: WHO's General Programme of Work; WHO Staff Rules and Regulations; Strategic and Operational Plans; resolutions of the World Health Assembly and Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, the WHO manual; HQ Cluster Notes and Information Notes; WPR Policy and Procedures Handbook; Programme Budget; information circulars; Basic Documents; administrative instructions; computer software manuals; and other guidelines and specific instructions issued from time to time. Planning, organizing and monitoring and completion of routine tasks is achieved by the incumbent using his/her own initiative and the available resources, with supervisory direction being sought on policy, sensitive, unusual or critical matters. Progress is regularly reported to the supervisor as agreed, for work and performance evaluation purposes. The incumbent has internal cross-functional interactions: with regional technical units, Programme Directors, Regional Advisors, administrative and field staff, with staff from WHO/HQ and other WHO Regions, together with routine external interactions with officials in relevant countries' health and health-related government departments and relevant WHO partners. All other non-routine and formal external interactions with countries, WHO partners and others will be as directed by the WR. The incumbent will be expected to interpret above guidelines and to take decisions of the project needs based on WHO policy. Must be responsible for carrying out the plan of operations and advising the WHO Representative and counterparts of any changes required.
Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected): In collaboration with the WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea, the Ministry of Health, and the WHO/WPRO team:
1. to provide technical assistance to the government on planning, organization and implementation of epidemiological services and the control of communicable diseases with emphasis on epidemic diseases;
2. to provide technical assistance in strengthening surveillance and response, in particular to: implement the programmes on strengthening the core capacity of national counterparts to prevent, detect, characterize response to emerging threats in accordance with APSED; assist responses to communicable disease outbreaks/epidemics with various focuses at regional and country levels as appropriate; participate in outbreak investigations, help organize training in field epidemiology, analyse and interpret epidemiological information, and participate in monitoring epidemiological services; and assist in responding to public health emergencies of international concern.
3. to coordinate epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of communicable diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases and neglected diseases as required;
4. to recommend and support the government in all phases of development, implementation and strengthening of the national pandemic influenza preparedness plan;
5. to provide technical and managerial support to assist the national authorities meet its requirements under the International Health Regulations (2005);
6. to provide technical assistance on the evaluation aspects of communicable disease programmes and to collaborate with the periodic assessment of progress;
7. to identify epidemiological training needs and work with the national authorities to develop, deliver and evaluate training programmes intended to strengthen core capacity in communicable disease surveillance and response;
8. to facilitate speedy compilation, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of information on communicable diseases;
9. to perform other duties as assigned by the WHO Representative; and
10. to submit a report at the end of the assignment.

Recruitment Profile Competencies: Generic (Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required, with reference to WHO competency model; list in order or priority, commencing with the most important ones; identify a minimum of three and a maximum of five competencies):
1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Producing results
3. Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond
4. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
5. Fostering integration and teamwork
Functional Skills and Knowledge (Describe skills and knowledge specific to the post):Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology, and techniques in public health, and epidemiology. Significant knowledge and skills in communicable disease control, including teaching and advisory techniques at the international level. Very good interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with, and positively relate to, people at all levels and from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and orientations. Understands the principles of results-based management and can develop plans, organize resources and take actions to ensure objectives are achieved within realistic timelines. Can quickly acquire a thorough working knowledge of essential WHO procedures, policies and rules and regulations that support WHO's presence in countries. Able to work independently and take initiative. Able to establish and maintain harmonious relations with national and international colleagues. Able to work harmoniously as a member of a team and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Education (Qualifications):Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine or epidemiology and/or public health.Desirable: Experience:Essential: Seven to ten years of work experience in epidemiology and/or public health. Desirable: Experience in acute outbreak investigation and management. Language: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English. Other Skills (e.g. IT): Excellent communication skills and ability to work smoothly in a difficult working environment. Documentation and report writing skills necessary.