Antivenom Risk-Benefit Assessment Project Coordinator

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing global health challenges and improving health systems worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Antivenom Risk-Benefit Assessment Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in managing the implementation of the antivenom risk-benefit assessment project. This position involves overseeing the day-to-day activities of the project, ensuring compliance with WHO policies, and coordinating various assessments and reports. The coordinator will work closely with an independent scientific panel to conduct dossier reviews and establish agreements with external laboratories for testing product samples. The role also requires the curation of data related to risk-benefit assessments in a standardized format, ensuring that the information is accessible and useful for decision-making processes. The coordinator will provide expert technical advice to WHO departments and member states regarding the production and regulation of snake antivenom products, contributing to the strategic goals of in-country snakebite programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Antivenom Risk-Benefit Assessment Project Coordinator include:

• Coordinating the implementation of the antivenom risk-benefit assessment project, ensuring adherence to the final work plan and WHO policies.
• Managing day-to-day project activities and facilitating communication among stakeholders.
• Conducting dossier reviews with an independent scientific panel to evaluate antivenom products.
• Establishing a Technical Services Agreement with external laboratories for physicochemical, compositional, antivenomic, and specific activity testing of product samples.
• Assessing compliance with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) at manufacturing sites.
• Analyzing data generated during risk-benefit assessments and producing technical reports to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Reporting to donors and internal management according to agreed timelines.
• Curating information acquired during assessments in a central data repository.
• Coordinating partnerships with organizations like Wellcome Trust and providing responses to independent project reviews. 1
• Offering expert technical advice to WHO departments and member states on the regulation and control of snake antivenom products.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced level university degree (Master's level or above) in Biology, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related sciences from a recognized university.
• A PhD in one of the aforementioned fields is desirable.
• At least 7 years of experience in biological standardization and/or the development, production, control, and quality assurance of vaccines and biologicals, with experience at both national and international levels.
• Familiarity with WHO prequalification procedures and National Regulatory Authority assessment procedures is desirable.
• Essential knowledge of risk-based assessment procedures for snake antivenoms and regulatory requirements related to biological products.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in relevant scientific fields such as Biology, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Biomedical Sciences. A PhD in one of these areas is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the field of biological standardization, development, production, control, and quality assurance of vaccines and biological products. Experience should encompass both national and international contexts, with a strong emphasis on the development and regulation of snakebite antivenoms being highly desirable. Familiarity with WHO procedures and standards is also beneficial.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position, as it is the primary working language of WHO. Additionally, expert knowledge of French is desirable, and intermediate knowledge of another UN language would be advantageous, reflecting the organization's commitment to multilingualism and effective communication across diverse regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027, with additional post adjustments based on the cost of living in Geneva. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and education grants for dependent children. The position may involve a written test and/or video assessment as part of the selection process. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, and WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before commencing employment.