Medical Officer - Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV & Syphilis

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 works in various areas including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response. The organization aims to ensure that every person has equitable access to health services and innovations, addressing the greatest health burdens and challenges of today and tomorrow.

Job Overview:
The Medical Officer position focuses on the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV and syphilis. The incumbent will coordinate the development of evidence-based normative guidance and ensure WHO's leadership in eMTCT. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, to ensure comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies for women and girls. The officer will also provide technical expertise and capacity-building support to WHO regional and country offices, facilitating the dissemination and implementation of new guidance. The position requires a strong focus on policy development, capacity building, and integration of health services to achieve the goal of eliminating pediatric HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B infections globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the development of evidence-based normative guidance for eMTCT, ensuring WHO's leadership is maintained.
• Revise WHO guidance related to eMTCT, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Provide technical expertise and capacity building support to WHO regional and country offices.
• Offer technical guidance to member states on health system strengthening for eMTCT.
• Disseminate early impact and lessons learned from guideline implementation globally.
• Coordinate the Triple Elimination Initiative for pediatric HIV, syphilis, and HBV infections.
• Manage the Global Validation Secretariat and partnerships for eMTCT validation.
• Serve as the technical focal point for the eMTCT agenda, addressing prevention and care for various populations.
• Participate in interagency forums and partnerships on eMTCT and early infant service delivery. 1
• Collaborate with technical focal points to ensure treatment and care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 1
• Contribute to WHO's research agenda on HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs in infants and children. 1
• Build and sustain collaborations with key stakeholders in pediatric health.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced level university degree (MD or equivalent) in Medicine from a recognized institution.
• Advanced level university degree (Masters level or equivalent) in public health, health sciences, communicable diseases, or a related field.
• Additional training or PhD in infectious diseases, preferably related to HIV, STIs, TB, or hepatitis is desirable.
• At least seven years of progressive professional experience in infectious disease programs, focusing on HIV and/or STI programs.
• Demonstrated international exposure and experience in policy development and program implementation.
• Proven experience in collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including national governments and civil society organizations.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced level university degree (MD or equivalent) in Medicine, along with a Master's level degree in public health, health sciences, communicable diseases, or a related field. Additional training or a PhD in infectious diseases, particularly related to HIV, STIs, TB, or hepatitis, is considered desirable.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least seven years of progressive professional experience in infectious disease programs, specifically focusing on HIV and/or STI programs. This includes experience in policy development, program implementation, service delivery, and research at both national and international levels. A minimum of two years' experience in providing implementation guidance and technical support in the field of eMTCT in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is essential. Experience working with WHO, the United Nations system, or other international organizations in HIV or STI program implementation is also desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with various stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The remuneration for the position starts at USD 86,027 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states.