Technical Officer - Access to Assistive Technologies

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, among others. WHO collaborates with countries and partners to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Access to Assistive Technologies will provide essential technical support to Pacific Island Countries and areas, focusing on strengthening health systems to enhance the coverage of rehabilitation, vision, and hearing services. This role involves engaging with multisectoral stakeholders, including service users, to foster a coordinated and person-centered approach to policy, planning, and service delivery. The officer will mobilize human and fiscal resources to advance rehabilitation, vision, and hearing initiatives in the Pacific region, while also supporting regional bodies and initiatives to build capacity and leadership in the health sector regarding assistive technology. The position requires a proactive approach to developing innovative health policies and strategies, managing a small team, and ensuring the effective implementation of health programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will be responsible for developing and proposing innovative technical health policies and strategies in collaboration with Regional and Country Offices. This includes advising on the development of rehabilitation, vision, and hearing services to enhance the technical capacity of target clienteles. The officer will manage the subunit's work, ensuring efficient delivery of objectives through effective team management. Responsibilities include developing and monitoring work plans and budgets, analyzing data on best practices, managing research activities, and conducting evaluations of specific fields of work. The officer will also provide technical guidance, liaise with counterparts in partner UN Agencies, and represent WHO at various meetings. Additional duties include conducting timely reporting for decision-makers and performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, rehabilitation science, public health, or a related discipline. A PhD in one of these fields is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in health systems management, particularly in rehabilitation, vision, and/or hearing services. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing health policies and strategies, managing human and financial resources, and working at the international level. Desirable qualifications include relevant experience with ministries of health, regional organizations, and development partners, as well as experience engaging with service users and organizations of persons with disabilities. Experience in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in medicine, rehabilitation science, public health, or a similar discipline is essential for this position. A PhD in one of the aforementioned fields is considered an asset and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in managing health systems, specifically in rehabilitation, vision, and/or hearing services. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing health policies and strategies, as well as managing human and financial resources. Experience at the international level is essential, and relevant experience working with ministries of health, regional organizations, and development partners is desirable. Familiarity with interventions and products associated with rehabilitation, vision, and/or hearing services is also beneficial, along with experience engaging with service users, particularly through organizations of persons with disabilities. Experience in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 86,027, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station currently amounts to USD 2,480 per month. Additional benefits include 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 Rules, and candidates should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages 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.