National Professional Officer (HIV, TB, and Viral Hepatitis)

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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses and setting health standards.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (NPO) will provide essential technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Ukraine Public Health Center in the areas of HIV prevention, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and care, as well as tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The incumbent will also focus on the elimination of viral hepatitis and vertical transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. The overarching goal of this position is to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS, TB, and drug-resistant TB, as well as the epidemic of viral hepatitis, in alignment with Ukraine's regional and global commitments. This role will involve working within the framework of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) between WHO and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, ensuring that strategies align with the Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (2022–2030), the WHO End TB Strategy, and other relevant health policies. The NPO will contribute to strengthening integrated, people-centered service delivery, improving access to prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment, while also reducing stigma and discrimination and enhancing multisectoral collaboration to achieve equitable health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical assistance and support to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, the Ukrainian Public Health Center, and the National HIV, TB, and Hepatitis Programmes. Key duties include:

• Providing technical support for the development and implementation of national strategies and guidelines for HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis in line with global and regional guidance.
• Ensuring the Secretariat function of the National Validation Committee on triple elimination of vertical transmission (HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis).
• Supporting the strengthening of surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation systems for HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis.
• Facilitating capacity building through training and dissemination of global guidelines.
• Mapping technical assistance needs and providing high-quality support for program management and resource mobilization.
• Promoting WHO policies and integrated service delivery approaches to ensure equitable access to health services.
• Supporting civil society and community-based organizations in scaling up prevention and treatment efforts.
• Facilitating the introduction of innovative diagnostic technologies and treatment regimens.
• Strengthening blood safety and waste management practices in service delivery points. 1
• Contributing to the WHO country office's efforts to ensure access to quality communicable disease prevention and treatment, especially in conflict-affected areas. 1
• Preparing reports for donors on program implementation and progress towards targets. 1
• Organizing national and international consultancies and technical missions.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree (Bachelor's level) in medicine, public health, or a related field. A Master's degree in any of these areas is desirable, along with post-graduate training in infectious diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, or hepatitis. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of public health disease control strategies, particularly in relation to HIV, TB, and hepatitis. Proven skills in developing partnerships with government officials, civil society, and community organizations are essential. The ability to develop and implement prevention and treatment strategies is also required.

Educational Background:
Essential educational qualifications include a university degree (Bachelor's level) in medicine, public health, or a related area of study. A Master's degree in any of the aforementioned areas is desirable, as well as post-graduate training in infectious diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, or hepatitis.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least two years of work experience in tuberculosis and/or HIV and/or hepatitis prevention and control at the national level. Relevant work experience within WHO, the United Nations, or another international organization is desirable, particularly with countries in Eastern Europe.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian. Intermediate knowledge of any other UN languages is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Ukraine will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 38,776, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all staff are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards.