National Consultant

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 in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates globally, focusing on health issues that affect populations in low- and middle-income countries, among others.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant is crucial in addressing the public health concern of lead exposure in Ethiopia. The consultant will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, focusing on strengthening clinical management of lead exposure, enhancing the capacity of poisons centers, and supporting the procurement of antidotes and chelators. The role is part of a broader initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies and WHO to eliminate lead exposure, which poses significant health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations. The consultant will work closely with health professionals and stakeholders to develop guidelines, conduct training, and establish a national poisons center network, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes related to lead poisoning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities:

• Clinical Management of Lead Exposure: This includes reviewing existing national protocols for diagnosing and treating lead poisoning, sharing findings with technical working groups, developing or updating clinical management guidelines, conducting training workshops for health professionals, and providing technical advice on integrating lead exposure management into healthcare systems.
• Strengthening Poisons Centers: The consultant will assess the current capacity of poisons centers, develop standard operating procedures for case reporting and response, facilitate training for poisons center staff, and support the establishment of a national poisons center network.
• Antidote/Chelator Procurement Capacity: This involves mapping current availability and procurement pathways for antidotes, providing technical guidance on procurement strategies, developing a national procurement plan, and advocating for the inclusion of chelators in essential medicines lists. Deliverables include updated clinical management guidelines, poisons center capacity assessment reports, training workshops, and a national procurement plan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a First Degree in medicine, with desirable qualifications including specialization in internal medicine, toxicology, pharmacology, or public health. Additional certifications in chemical safety or poisons center operations are also beneficial. Essential qualifications include at least 5 years of experience as a medical doctor in healthcare facilities, clinical toxicology, or health emergencies, along with proven experience in developing guidelines and training packages. Desirable experience includes working with ministries of health or international organizations and involvement in procurement and supply chain management of essential medicines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a First Degree in medicine. Desirable qualifications may include further specialization in relevant fields such as toxicology or public health, as well as additional certifications or training in areas related to chemical safety and emergency healthcare systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as a medical doctor, particularly in clinical toxicology, poisons center operations, or health emergencies. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing guidelines and training materials, as well as experience in health systems strengthening. Desirable experience includes working with health ministries, WHO, or other international organizations, and direct involvement in the procurement and supply chain management of essential medicines.

Languages:
Essential language skills include excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and knowledge of Amharic. A working knowledge of other WHO official languages would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Consultant contract at the NO-C level, with a monthly remuneration of $3,598.00 paid in local currency equivalent. The duty station is Addis Ababa, and this 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. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees and certificates in advance if selected for an interview. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.