WHO Scientist - Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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 the principles of equity, human rights, and the need to address the social determinants of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. The Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) aims to advance health for all by integrating promotion, prevention, and care across all health and disease areas. Within PPC, the Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Ageing Health (LHR) works towards a more just and equitable world where human rights are upheld, and every person can achieve health and dignity throughout their life. LHR hosts the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), which identifies research priorities and promotes interdisciplinary research in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Scientist in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is a senior technical role that focuses on leading and overseeing research and policy development in this critical area. The incumbent will serve as a key reference point for Member States, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, providing authoritative advice on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. The role involves developing and implementing a research agenda that addresses contemporary global health challenges, ensuring that research priorities are informed by scientific expertise and stakeholder input. The incumbent will also be responsible for establishing strategic and operational plans for research and human capital development in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. This position requires strong leadership in research activities, including the conceptualization of research protocols, recruitment of partner institutions, and oversight of research projects. The incumbent will synthesize evidence, conduct systematic reviews, and contribute to the development of clinical and managerial guidelines. Additionally, the role involves building partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to enhance access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as the lead technical and scientific reference in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, providing authoritative advice to various stakeholders.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of a research agenda and priorities based on global health challenges and stakeholder input.
• Leading research activities, including the development of research protocols, recruitment of partner institutions, and organization of scientific meetings.
• Coordinating training workshops and conducting research site monitoring visits.
• Ensuring compliance with WHO scientific and ethical standards in research activities.
• Synthesizing evidence and conducting systematic reviews to inform guidelines and policies.
• Preparing technical progress reports and ensuring adequate publication of research outputs.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health services.
• Leading fundraising activities to secure financial support for research initiatives. 1
• Carrying out other tasks as required by the Unit Head and Director.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced level university degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field that contributes to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• A Ph.D. in a relevant field is desirable.
• At least 10 years of direct experience in international research and research management related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, including experience in low- and middle-income countries.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading research projects in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
• At least 7 years of experience in developing policies and implementing programs on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree in public health, epidemiology, or another relevant field that contributes to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. A Ph.D. in a related field is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, specifically at least 10 years in international research and research management related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. This experience should include a minimum of 5 years leading research projects in this area and at least 7 years developing policies or implementing programs focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly concerning adolescents. Experience in low- and middle-income countries is essential to understand the unique challenges and contexts in which these health issues arise.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Additionally, expert knowledge of French is desirable, and intermediate knowledge of another UN language is also beneficial. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and includes a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in the duty station. 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and appointments are subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.