FETP Technical 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 core values of equity, solidarity, and participation, and it focuses on advancing universal health coverage, addressing health-related sustainable development goals, and improving health systems globally. The WHO Country Office for India collaborates with the Government of India to implement national health policies and improve access to quality health services for the population of 1.4 billion people.

Job Overview:
The FETP Technical Officer will play a crucial role in the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in India, working closely with the I-FETP training institute and the WHO India FETP secretariat. This position requires a proactive individual who can coordinate training sessions, mentor FETP officers, and provide technical support in public health surveillance and outbreak investigations. The officer will be responsible for developing course materials, managing training logistics, and ensuring that FETP officers acquire essential skills for their roles. The position demands strong communication skills, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and a commitment to improving public health outcomes in India.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FETP Technical Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Liaising with the training institute to draft course calendars and prepare contact sessions, including agendas and course materials.
• Coordinating with mentors and FETP officers to plan and execute contact sessions effectively.
• Guiding FETP officers in planning surveillance data analysis and system assessments based on public health priorities.
• Providing technical support to I-FETP officers on their Core Activity of Learning (CAL).
• Mentoring I-FETP officers in outbreak investigations, evaluations of public health surveillance systems, and epidemiological studies.
• Reviewing projects and work conducted by trainees for scientific quality and facilitating administrative approvals.
• Monitoring the progress of FETP trainees on their CALs and updating the database of FETP officer projects.
• Coordinating and managing weekly seminars and online training sessions.
• Developing epidemiological project plans and facilitating ethical approvals for field implementation. 1
• Supporting the documentation of FETP guidelines and program reports. 1
• Conducting routine reviews of the program and the work of FETP trainees. 1
• Maintaining regular communication with WHO India and NCDC. 1
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the FETP Technical Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Medical Graduate with a degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of an Intermediate/Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program conducted by NCDC, NIE, or WHO.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to foster integration and teamwork.
• Respect for individual and cultural differences, with a commitment to producing results.
• Self-management skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Educational Background:
Essential educational qualifications include:

• A Medical Graduate degree.
• Completion of an Intermediate/Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Program. Desirable qualifications include:
• A post-graduate degree in Community Medicine (MD), Public Health (MPH), or a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from an accredited institution.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of progressive experience in conducting training or workshops for public health professionals in India. Experience as a mentor or faculty for intermediate or advanced FETP is essential. Desirable experience includes working as a FETP training coordinator for institutes, which would provide valuable insights into the training process and public health challenges.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory, with strong attention to detail being an asset. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a monthly remuneration of 157,449 INR, taxable as per Indian laws, and is appointed through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) that is extendable based on performance and funding availability. The FETP Technical Officer may be posted in any of the 14 locations in India and may require extensive travel, potentially up to 15 days a month. This position is open only to Indian nationals, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment. Candidates should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking their assignment.