Chief Scientist

World Health Organization OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Chief Scientist will ensure robust and quality scientific, analytic and technical work related to new and existing challenges as well as opportunities for innovation and the use of technology for better health outcomes in the Western Pacific Region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This dynamic role requires continuous adaptation to emerging challenges and innovations, with ongoing collaboration to refine responsibilities and organizational structures for optimal impact.

Technical Excellence:
Overseeing and elevating the quality of WHO's technical work supporting countries. Technical Publication Excellence:

Overseeing and elevating the technical quality of publications, research papers, and reports, ensuring they are not only scientifically robust but also effectively communicated to diverse stakeholders.

Governance Meeting Preparedness:

Taking charge of preparations for technical items presented at governance meetings, offering expert insights and guidance to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Supervision of Advisory and

Expert Groups:

Providing leadership to WPRO Technical Advisory Groups and Expert Groups, fostering collaboration, and harnessing collective expertise to address regional health challenges.

Delivery for Impact Initiatives:

Leading initiatives focused on Delivery for Impact, ensuring that the organization's technical efforts translate into tangible and positive health outcomes for the communities within the Western Pacific Region.

Digital Health and Innovation Leadership:
Spearheading efforts in digital health and innovation, exploring cutting-edge technologies and strategies to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Data and Analytics Strategic Management:
Overseeing the strategic implementation of data and analytics, leveraging insights to inform evidence-based decision-making and public health interventions. Research and Innovation:
providing leadership to WHO's work to strengthen research and innovation both within WHO and in Member States. Global Engagement:

Actively participating in global initiatives and forums relevant to the Chief Scientist's portfolio, fostering partnerships, and representing the region's interests on the global stage.

• Perform any other related incident-specific duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education Essential :

Degree in medicine with postgraduate degree at the master's level in public health, tropical medicine, medical parasitology, epidemiology or science from a recognized university.

Desirable:
Postgraduate degree or training in management and evaluation or communication.
Expérience Essential :

Minimum fifteen years experience in disease control, planning, implementation, management and evaluation, including in an advisory and/or teaching capacity, whereof at least five years are at international level.

Desirable:
Experience in leading broad public health programs at the provincial, national or international level. Experience in undertaking or commissioning public health research. Senior level experience working in international health agencies or international nongovernmental organizations and with government/ministries of health. Skills
Knowledge of multiple technical areas of public health;
Health planning at operational, subnational, and national levels, with political and technical elements;
Capacity-building through multiple methods, including training, mentoring and example setting;
Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;
Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States. WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnership across the Organization and beyond
Promoting innovation and organizational learning Use of Language Skills Essential:
Expert knowledge of English. Desirable:
Working knowledge of other UN language is an advantage. 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 117,280 (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.

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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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Sector:
Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation Role:
Other Working hours (%):80-100% Job type:
Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)