Scientist, P4

Scientist, P4

WHO - World Health Organization

Geneva, Switzerland

From USD 86,027 per year gross

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The vision of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) is to advance health for all by anticipating change and integrating promotion, prevention and care across all health and disease areas to address today's greatest health burdens and tomorrow's challenges. Within the PPC Division, the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) aims to address the burden of unhealthy diets, malnutrition and foodborne diseases, by providing guidelines, integrated services, and technical support, embedding nutrition and food safety into health, economic, and environmental agendas, and promoting access to knowledge and care for everyone. The Nutrition and Food Safety Action Unit (NFA) drives the implementation of proven nutrition and food safety actions to reach all populations. It develops implementation guidance, tools, and partnerships to accelerate national efforts through targeted initiatives - such as those to stop obesity, eliminate industrial transfats, address wasting, and improve multisectoral collaboration for food safety. NFA focuses on maternal and child nutrition, acute malnutrition, fortification, and healthier and sustainable food environments. The unit also hosts the INFOSAN network, which connects over 800 food authorities across 194 countries to strengthen global food safety collaboration and response.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Engage with partner organizations to harmonize policies and programmes and assure full support and implementation of WHO guidance related to CMN.
• In collaboration with the WHO Regional Advisors, provide scientific, technical, and policy advice to Member States for the establishment of policies and programmes aimed at improving CMN through screening and lifestyle interventions as companions of the medical treatment of diet-related cardiometabolic diseases.
• Coordinating with relevant stakeholders the development of scientific guidance and tools for the assessment, monitoring, and implementation of national intersectoral and inter-programmatic policies, plans and programs to improve CMN.
• Coordinate the development of advocacy materials, training curricula, and other implementation tools to increase the coverage and quality of nutrition actions for CMN interventions globally.
• Ensure the timely periodic reporting to Senior Management, other UN Partners and Member States on CMN policy adoption, programme implementation, and obesity rates.
• Collaborate with the community of practice to create a peer-to-peer network and discuss implementation issues.
• Support the development of capacity building initiatives in the health system to deliver specific management services (WHO Academy Course, training for primary care physicians).
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: An advanced level university degree (Master's level degree) in nutrition, internal medicine, public health, epidemiology or related field relevant to the functions to the position.
• Desirable: Additional postgraduate training in public health or public policies.

Experience

Essential

• At least 7 years' experience in public health nutrition, epidemiology or medical practice, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases, of which at least 4 years of relevant exposure at the international level.
• Proven record of development of scientific documents and policy briefs within the scope of this position.

Desirable

• Experience in evaluating and translating science into policymaking.
• Previous experience at the country level in policy and strategy development.
• Working experience in WHO or other UN agency is an asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of cardiometabolic nutrition.
• Knowledge of public health programs to improve the care of persons with diet-related non-communicable diseases, including obesity.
• Initiative, tact, a high sense of responsibility, and ability to communicate and collaborate harmoniously with people of varied national and cultural backgrounds, both within and outside WHO.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.