Cancer Care Officer

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 and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by its commitment to achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations. The WHO Country Office for India collaborates with the Government of India and various stakeholders to implement the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), focusing on reducing the burden of communicable diseases and enhancing health systems.

Job Overview:
The Cancer Care Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of 'Mission Umeed', a comprehensive cancer care initiative in Punjab, India. This position requires a proactive approach to enhance cancer care through technical input for screening and early detection strategies for oral, breast, and cervical cancers. The officer will assist in updating cancer care management guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in alignment with WHO and the Ministry of Health. The role involves providing technical support for establishing Day Care Cancer Chemotherapy Centers and conducting field visits to monitor and support cancer care initiatives. The officer will also be responsible for data collection and analysis to track cancer indicators and support capacity building for field teams involved in cancer surveillance and monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cancer Care Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of 'Mission Umeed' in Punjab.
• Providing technical input for planning and implementing cancer screening strategies.
• Assisting in the operationalization and updating of cancer care management guidelines and SOPs.
• Offering technical support for establishing Day Care Cancer Chemotherapy Centers.
• Conducting field visits to provide technical supervision and support.
• Supporting cancer research to generate evidence for decision-making.
• Collecting, collating, and analyzing data from the National NCD Portal.
• Providing technical support for capacity building and program monitoring.
• Reviewing surveillance data to assess adherence to cancer care protocols. 1
• Supporting childhood cancer initiatives. 1
• Preparing reports, presentations, and technical documents as per WHO standards. 1
• Reviewing and providing technical input for contractual proposals. 1
• Collaborating with NCD officers at the national level. 1
• Undertaking additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medical science or a significant health-related degree from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree in public health or public health administration is desirable. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions, ensuring that candidates have the necessary academic background to fulfill the role effectively.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a university degree in medical science or an equivalent health-related degree from a recognized institution. A postgraduate degree in public health or public health administration is considered desirable, as it provides a deeper understanding of public health issues and strategies.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of one year of experience at the national level, which should include some work experience in cancer care. Desirable experience includes work in the government or social sector, which can enhance the candidate's understanding of public health systems and policies.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within WHO. Intermediate knowledge of Hindi is also required, facilitating effective communication in the local context and with stakeholders in India.

Additional Notes:
The monthly remuneration for this position is 157,449 INR, which is taxable according to Indian laws. The appointment will be through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) and is extendable based on satisfactory performance and the ongoing need for the function. The Cancer Care Officer will be based in New Delhi and may require extensive travel, potentially up to 15 days per month, to various states and districts. This position is open only to Indian nationals, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.