Technical Officer, Blood Products & Blood System

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 with governments and partners to address global health challenges, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening. The organization aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on universal health coverage, health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Blood Products and Blood Systems will play a crucial role in supporting WHO's objectives to enhance access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable blood products and health products. This position involves providing specialized technical support in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of WHO's normative and technical activities. The officer will contribute to the development and implementation of policies, strategies, norms, and standards related to blood systems and transfusion services, working closely with WHO Regional and Country Offices. The role requires coordination of program activities, resource management, and performance monitoring to ensure timely delivery of outputs. The officer will also engage in technical research and capacity-building initiatives to inform policy development and program implementation, providing technical advice on regulatory and quality assurance approaches for blood products. This position is integral to strengthening Member States' capacities and improving public health outcomes through effective blood regulation and transfusion practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized technical support in the assigned program area, contributing to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of WHO normative and technical activities in line with organizational priorities.
• Develop, review, and implement policies, strategies, norms, standards, and technical guidance related to blood systems, blood products, and transfusion services.
• Coordinate designated program activities, including work planning, resource management, monitoring of performance indicators, and reporting.
• Conduct technical research and evidence generation to inform policy development and program implementation.
• Provide technical advice to WHO, Member States, and partners on regulatory, quality assurance, and standardization approaches for blood products.
• Support the development and maintenance of WHO norms, standards, and technical guidance related to blood products.
• Coordinate the development of biological measurement standards and reference materials for blood products.
• Develop and maintain collaborations with stakeholders, including WHO Collaborating Centres and research institutions.
• Represent WHO at technical meetings and expert forums, promoting WHO recommendations. 1
• Perform other related duties as required, consistent with the level of the position.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master's level degree or above) in medicine, pharmacy, or biology related to the functions of the position.
• A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields is desirable.
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience in the management of blood and other products of human origin, including health policies and strategies.
• Experience in engaging and communicating effectively with external partners, including Ministries of Health and donor institutions.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level is essential.
• Experience in managerial and technical areas of blood establishment and regulation is desirable.
• Knowledge about transfusion medicine and biologicals, and skills in planning and coordinating multidisciplinary public health programs are required.

Educational Background:
Essential: An advanced university degree (Master's level degree or above) in medicine, pharmacy, or biology related to the functions of the position. Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience:
Essential: A minimum of seven years of professional experience in the management of blood and other products of human origin areas, including experience in health policies and strategies. Desirable: Experience in managerial and technical areas of blood establishment, regulation of blood products, and scientific areas related to transfusion medicine.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French is preferred.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 86,027, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and may involve mobility to different duty stations. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment.