National Professional Officer - Tuberculosis

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, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes globally. WHO collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to implement health strategies and policies that address pressing health challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer for Tuberculosis will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in Nepal. This position involves providing technical support and assistance for the planning and implementation of national strategic and operational plans for tuberculosis (TB) and health systems (HHS) programs. The officer will work closely with the National TB Control Center (NTCC) and the National Control Aids, STD Center (NCASC) to achieve the end TB strategy and other global health targets. The role requires collaboration with various partners to strengthen program capacities and ensure effective implementation of TB interventions at all levels of the health system. The officer will also be involved in conducting epidemiological reviews, operational research, and supporting innovative approaches to enhance TB screening and diagnosis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the MoHP and NTCC for planning and implementing national TB and HHS programs.
• Facilitate WHO's contributions to TB interventions at national, provincial, and local levels.
• Support the National TB program in conducting epidemiological reviews and operational research.
• Assist in establishing supervision plans and conducting field monitoring visits.
• Support innovative approaches for TB screening and diagnosis.
• Facilitate integrated TB services and the TB Free Nepal Initiative.
• Coordinate cross-border collaboration with India for TB and HIV control.
• Mobilize technical support for resource mobilization for TB programs.
• Assist in capacity building and development of guidelines and training materials. 1
• Strengthen multisectoral collaborative actions and stakeholder engagement. 1
• Collaborate with other UN agencies and NGOs on TB and HHS programs. 1
• Participate in the preparation of biennial workplans and budgets. 1
• Contribute to community awareness campaigns for TB and HHS. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree in a relevant field such as public health or epidemiology. A postgraduate degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in public health interventions at both national and sub-national levels. Experience providing technical services to national health ministries and partners on TB and HHS issues is also essential. Familiarity with WHO strategies and guidelines, as well as experience in an international context, is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with a preference for those holding a postgraduate degree in Public Health or Epidemiology. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in public health interventions, particularly in TB and HHS programs. Experience working with national health ministries and international organizations such as WHO or UN agencies is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of TB control strategies and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Nepali is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, and only applications from nationals of Nepal will be accepted. The position offers an annual base salary starting at NPR 3,630,199, along with 30 days of annual leave. The role may involve travel within the country and requires a commitment to WHO's values and ethical standards. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking any assignment. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States.