National Professional Officer (Tuberculosis)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes globally. WHO focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and health systems strengthening, aiming to ensure that everyone can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Tuberculosis) position is crucial for supporting the Department of Health in the Philippines in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating interventions for infectious disease surveillance and control, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and related diseases. The incumbent will work closely with the Sr. Public Health Officer and the head of the WHO country office to manage and coordinate expertise in developing sustainable, multi-sectoral strategies and policies aimed at improving health systems and capacity building. This role involves creating action plans for TB prevention and control, coordinating the adoption of guidelines, facilitating project implementation, and monitoring disease burdens through health information systems. The officer will also leverage local knowledge to enhance community outreach and advocacy efforts, ensuring that interventions reach marginalized populations, including ethnic minorities and those living in remote areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the management and coordination of technical advice on national strategies and policies for TB and related diseases.
• Developing action plans for TB prevention and control interventions across the life course.
• Coordinating the adoption of norms, standards, and guidelines for TB control projects.
• Facilitating the implementation of TB control projects, including procurement of medicines and technologies.
• Monitoring the national burden of TB and related diseases through health information systems.
• Enhancing existing information systems for communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
• Serving as a technical communication focal point for TB-related public outreach.
• Building partnerships and networks to enhance collaboration in disease prevention and control.
• Documenting and disseminating best practices and experiences from partners.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree (bachelor’s) in medicine, public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline. Desirable qualifications include specialized training in TB or other communicable diseases. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, public health, or epidemiology. Additional training or specialization in tuberculosis or related communicable diseases is highly desirable. Educational qualifications must be recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in TB programs or related communicable diseases, focusing on disease investigation, surveillance, and control. Experience in implementing strategies and action plans for capacity building and disease prevention programs is essential. Desirable experience includes providing technical services to national health counterparts and working with WHO or other international organizations.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of the Philippines will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at PHP 1,827,954, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented member states. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.