Back Technical Officer (NCD Risk Factors)

Purpose of the Post:

The purpose of this position is to provide technical assistance and coordination support to the national authorities and relevant stakeholders in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in Ukraine, with special emphasis to address the NCDs behavioral risk factors (as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, alcohol use and limited physical activity). Specific areas of focus is the normative and regulatory work to align national legislation with EU regulations and programme documents in NCD related areas such as tobacco control, nutrition and trans-fatty acid elimination, alcohol control policy measures and NCD surveillance, as well implementation of the relevant WHO “best buys” and “quick buys”, and other WHO recommended interventions and guidelines for NCD prevention and control.

Summary of Assigned Duties 

1. The purpose of this position is to provide technical assistance and coordination support to the national authorities and relevant stakeholders in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in Ukraine, with special emphasis to address the NCDs behavioral risk factors (as 
tobacco use, unhealthy diet, alcohol use and limited physical activity). Specific areas of focus is the normative and regulatory work to align national legislation with EU regulations and programme documents in NCD related areas such as tobacco control, nutrition and trans-fatty acid elimination, alcohol control policy measures and NCD surveillance, as well implementation of therelevant WHO “best buys” and “quick buys”, and other WHO recommended interventions and guidelines for NCD prevention and control.
2. Support the MOH in updating and adapting relevant guidelines, regulations, materials and tools, ensuring alignment with national legislation. 
3. Support MOH and other public agencies in performing training needs assessments and organizing and implementing training and capacity building activities. 
4. Coordinate together with MOH joint actions such as working groups, roundtables, policy dialogues and meetings to facilitate NCD risk factors related programme development and implementation at national and subnational levels. 
5. Document relevant programme experience, lessons and successes for later review, reflections and publications. 
6. Provide technical assistance in the implementation of the WHO standardized NCD surveillance tools (such as STEPS, GATS, GYTS, COSI, HBSC and other), collaborate on the improvement of NCD epidemiological data and health information; collate information, data analysis, and 
preparation of regular and timely briefings, reports, or situation analysis. 
7. Provide technical support in the application of tools and guidelines crucial for the effective tobacco control in the country, including the fostering the Ukraine’s commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. 
8. Support national authorities and stakeholders in the development and implementation of policies and actions towards the elimination of trans fats in Ukraine; promote the development (as needed) and facilitate implementation of policies on healthy nutrition, healthy eating.
9. Provide assistance to the Ministry of Health and national authorities in the development and implementation of a country's package for salt consumption reduction and sugar consumption reduction. 
10. Support national stakeholders in the promotion of physical activity and the reduction of sedentary behavior.
11. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement behavioral change actions and campaigns to promote healthy behaviours among various population groups.
12. Collaborate with national authorities in the furthering other regulations and policies aligned with WHO “best buys” and “quick buys”. 
13. Facilitate smooth information flow of BCA/WP activities between MOH and other involved institutions through sharing of reports, meetings, etc. Undertake jointly with MOH counterparts regular monitoring of the implementation of BCA.
14. Prepare the missions for WHO staff and external consultants addressing NCD risk factors programme areas and monitor and follow up their recommendations. 
15. Prepare regular reports and updates to WHO Country Office and Regional Office. 
16. Facilitate partner and stakeholder coordination in the area of NCD prevention and control.
17. Explore opportunities for fund raising for the area of NCD risk factors. 
18. Provide support to cross-Divisional and intercountry activities as requested.
19. Provide assistance in other areas of the work of Country Office and Regional Office Division as 
needed.

Required Qualifications

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, public health, law or other related area.
Desirable: Post graduate degree (Master) In one of the above
Post graduate training courses in NCD risk factors programme(s). 
Post graduate degree (PhD) in medicine, public health and/or law.

Experience:

Essential: At least two years of professional experience within the area of NCDs, including experience 
working with national legislation and regulations for NCDs-related risk factors (as tobacco use,
alcohol use, unhealthy diet or limited physical activity), and NCD prevention and health promotion.

Desirable: Relevant experience in public health. Relevant experience with(in) WHO, UN agency or 
international organization

WHO Competencies

Functional Knowledge and Skills:

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Ukrainian.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of any other UN languages

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 38,776 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.