WHO Team Leader - Communicable Diseases

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 operates in various regions to address health challenges and improve health systems globally. The organization focuses on a wide range of health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Team Leader for Communicable Diseases involves coordinating technical support to Angola in the control of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The role requires ensuring the capacity building of human resources in planning, prevention, and monitoring and evaluation of health plans and programs. The Team Leader will collaborate with the WHO Regional Office and Headquarters to align policies and strategies effectively. This position is crucial for developing sustainable, multi-sectoral national strategies and interventions aimed at improving health systems and capacity building in disease control. The Team Leader will also be responsible for managing operational aspects of research, surveillance, and health surveys, ensuring the implementation of disease control projects, and advocating for partnerships to mobilize resources for integrated disease prevention and control.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WHO Team Leader include facilitating the management and coordination of expertise to provide technical advice on developing national strategies and policies for health improvements. The Team Leader will recommend action plans for disease prevention and control interventions, coordinate the adoption of norms and guidelines for disease control projects, and manage operational research and health surveys. Additionally, the role involves monitoring the national burden of diseases, coordinating the development of information systems, serving as a communication focal point for public health issues, and ensuring the procurement of safe medicines and technologies. The Team Leader will also analyze data related to disease outbreaks, document best practices, and strengthen partnerships to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (bachelor's) in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, medicine, or statistics. Desirable qualifications include specialized training in communicable and non-communicable diseases. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience focusing on disease investigation, surveillance, and control, as well as developing strategies for capacity building and disease prevention programs. Experience providing technical services to national health ministries and working with WHO or UN agencies is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate functional skills in the transmission and treatment of communicable diseases, knowledge of health systems, and the ability to mobilize resources and promote collaborative partnerships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, medicine, or statistics. Additional training or specialization in communicable and non-communicable diseases is highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the field of communicable and non-communicable diseases. This experience should include a focus on disease investigation, surveillance, and control, as well as developing strategies and action plans for implementing capacity building and disease prevention programs. Experience working with WHO or UN agencies, health cluster partners, or non-governmental organizations in an international context is also beneficial.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of Portuguese is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Angola. Additionally, expert knowledge of English is desirable, and intermediate knowledge of French can be beneficial. The language requirements are interchangeable, allowing for flexibility in communication skills among candidates.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335, subject to mandatory deductions. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Luanda is also included, currently amounting to USD 3,293 per month. Other benefits include 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 may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process, and WHO maintains a smoke-free environment.