Communicable Disease Specialist

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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The position of Communicable Disease Specialist is crucial for strengthening national programs on communicable diseases in Papua New Guinea, particularly focusing on tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis. The specialist will support the National Department of Health in developing comprehensive plans to implement global strategies and regional frameworks. This role involves creating technical guidelines, training materials, and tools for disease prevention and care, building the capacity of national programs, and collaborating with international agencies. The specialist will also assist in monitoring and evaluating joint projects, ensuring effective communication of progress to all partners involved in the health sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communicable Disease Specialist will be responsible for providing technical support in the area of communicable diseases, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of activities through primary health care. Key duties include developing and implementing action plans for high-risk groups, contributing to national strategies and policies, researching and evaluating data related to disease outbreaks, improving information systems, serving as a technical resource for the public, conducting community outreach activities, liaising with national counterparts and partners, ensuring quality assurance in contractual engagements, participating in training programs, and representing WHO at various meetings. The specialist will also be expected to perform any other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in medicine or public health. Desirable qualifications include training in major communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, STIs, and viral hepatitis, as well as a postgraduate degree in a related field. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in medicine or public health. Additional desirable qualifications include specialized training in communicable diseases and a postgraduate degree in relevant fields. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by WHO's standards as per the WHED guidelines.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in communicable diseases, with a focus on tuberculosis, HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis. Candidates should have proven international exposure and experience working at the country or regional level, providing technical advice and services to national counterparts. Desirable experience includes preparing proposals for Global Fund grants and their implementation in developing countries.

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

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting at an annual base salary of USD 86,027, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Port Moresby. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role is subject to WHO's regulations and policies, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of personal characteristics, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities. The successful candidate will be required to confirm vaccination status as per WHO's health guidelines.