Director of Antimicrobial Resistance

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 strategic objectives include addressing global health challenges, coordinating international responses to health emergencies, and ensuring equitable access to health services and medicines.

Job Overview:
The Director of Antimicrobial Resistance will lead the Department of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at WHO, focusing on developing, promoting, and monitoring policies and strategies to combat drug-resistant infections globally. This role involves strategic leadership in coordinating with various international agencies, fostering multisectoral engagement, and supporting the implementation of One Health National Action Plans. The Director will be responsible for enhancing country-level capacity, coordinating global surveillance, and monitoring progress towards global targets related to AMR. The position requires a strong commitment to evidence-based policy development and the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders to position WHO as a leader in this critical area of public health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will ensure effective management and accountability of the Department, leading a diverse workforce to optimize financial resources and deliverables. Key responsibilities include articulating a clear departmental vision, developing evidence-based policies, providing high-level technical advice to management, managing monitoring and evaluation processes, and representing the Department in global forums. The Director will also lead global AMR surveillance, guide the implementation of National Action Plans, strengthen country-level capacity, coordinate the Global Action Plan on AMR, and drive advocacy efforts across various sectors. Additional duties include resource mobilization and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, with a medical or scientific background in fields such as virology, microbiology, or epidemiology. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in managing Antimicrobial Resistance or related areas, providing senior-level advice to decision-makers, and managing human and financial resources. Candidates should have demonstrated experience at the international level, a track record of political advocacy, and experience in facilitating interagency coordination within the UN system. Desirable qualifications include relevant experience at three levels of the organization and experience working within a UN agency.

Educational Background:
An advanced level university degree in public health is essential, with a strong preference for candidates with a medical or scientific background related to the functions of the position. A PhD in one of the specified fields is considered desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and commitment to research in the area of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Antimicrobial Resistance or related fields, such as major communicable diseases. Candidates should have experience providing senior-level advice and guidance to management, managing resources, and developing policies and strategies. Demonstrated international experience and a track record of high-level political advocacy are essential, as well as experience in facilitating interagency coordination within the UN system. Desirable experience includes a PhD in public health and a history of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the subject area.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, along with intermediate knowledge of other UN languages. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the global health community.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 117,953, with additional benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of vaccination as per WHO requirements before undertaking the assignment.