Legal Advisor for Tobacco Control

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 has a mission 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 address global health challenges and improve health outcomes worldwide. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor for Tobacco Control is critical in establishing a strong WHO presence in Fiji to implement the WHO Country Cooperation Strategies (CSS) that align with the health development priorities of Member States. The role is part of the Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (PNH), which aims to reduce preventable morbidity, avoidable disability, and premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the South Pacific Region. The incumbent will provide essential support in coordinating and managing NCD-related projects and programs, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and timely reporting in line with WHO’s global and regional strategies. This position requires a deep understanding of legal frameworks and health policies related to tobacco control, as well as the ability to advise Member States on legislative and regulatory measures to combat tobacco use effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including providing technical and operational advice on legislative and legal policy options for planning and implementing tobacco control initiatives in alignment with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the MPOWER package, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will advise Member States on legal and regulatory measures for tobacco control, adapt and coordinate the development of technical guidelines and operational procedures, prepare legal opinions and reports, and analyze data on best practices in tobacco control. The role also involves conducting capacity-building efforts through training programs for government officials and public health professionals, supporting the Global Tobacco Control Report (GTCR) process, and strengthening tobacco-free initiative laws by coordinating activities among various government sectors and civil society organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in law, with an advanced degree in law, political science, public health, or a related field being desirable. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Candidates should have a strong understanding of health system laws, particularly those related to tobacco control, and the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments.

Educational Background:
Essential educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in law. An advanced university degree in law, political science, public health, or a similar field is desirable. WHO emphasizes the importance of accredited educational qualifications, and candidates must provide proof of their degrees from recognized institutions.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience with proven international exposure in the review and development of legislation and regulations related to health system laws, particularly concerning tobacco control. Desirable experience includes knowledge of laws relating to non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, especially tobacco control in Western Pacific Countries.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting at an annual base salary of USD 70,212, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must be prepared for mobility and may be assigned to various duty stations globally. The WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. Candidates are required to confirm their vaccination status as per WHO guidelines before undertaking any assignment.