National Professional Officer (Laboratory)

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Position Title: National Professional Officer (Laboratory)
Location: Ankara
Country: Türkiye
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization is committed to achieving health equity and ensuring that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

Job Overview:
The position of National Professional Officer (Laboratory) is integral to the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, which aims to enhance national capacities to respond to public health emergencies, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support to the Ministry of Health and partners, focusing on laboratory-related activities that comply with WHO standards. This role involves managing the development and implementation of advanced laboratory techniques, particularly Next Generation Genome Sequencing, and ensuring that laboratory services are efficient and effective in responding to health emergencies. The officer will also play a crucial role in training laboratory personnel, supporting procurement of laboratory equipment, and developing national guidelines and strategies for laboratory practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Professional Officer will be responsible for a variety of key duties, including:

• Providing operational support for the development and oversight of Next Generation Genome Sequencing capacities.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to enhance analytical and diagnostic services, ensuring quality and safety in laboratory operations.
• Assessing training needs and coordinating training sessions for laboratory personnel.
• Supporting large-scale procurements of laboratory equipment and supplies, particularly in earthquake-affected areas.
• Contributing to the development of strategies and guidelines for laboratory and surveillance systems.
• Enhancing the capacity of public health staff through training in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Maintaining reporting and information systems related to laboratory activities.
• Assisting in the development of work plans and monitoring project implementation.
• Facilitating communication and information sharing among project stakeholders. 1
• Performing other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in molecular biology, genetics, biomedical science, veterinary medicine, medicine, or medical virology from an accredited institution. An advanced degree in relevant fields such as virology, bacteriology, or epidemiology is desirable. Additionally, training in public health or laboratory practices is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of public health response operations and possess excellent analytical and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in standard computer applications is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field, with a preference for candidates holding a master's degree or higher in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, or epidemiology. Training in public health laboratory practices is also desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of practical experience in molecular techniques for rapid typing and whole genome sequencing is essential. Candidates should have experience in managing laboratory services and diagnosing communicable diseases at the national level. Experience in planning and implementing laboratory training programs is also required. Desirable experience includes involvement in health emergency responses of international significance and improving laboratory infrastructure for microbiology and infectious disease detection.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Türkiye will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 36,813, with mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and candidates will undergo background verification as part of the recruitment process. Additionally, WHO requires proof of vaccination against certain diseases as a condition of employment.