OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Health Systems, Access and Data (HSD) division is focused on supporting the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) goals and health Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14) targets, through equitable and resilient health systems that benefit everyone, everywhere. It provides and enables health systems leadership, global public goods, and differentiated country support that are quality-assured, innovative, and sustainable, in service of all Member States. The objective of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (TMC) is to lead WHO's efforts to integrate traditional medicine into global health systems, ensuring safe, effective, and equitable access to traditional medicine practices with focusing on research and evidence, strengthening health systems, sustainability and equity, and innovation and technology. The immediate strategic objective is to establish a robust evidence base, support regulatory mechanisms, and foster cross-sector collaboration to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development. This holistic, integrated approach supports Member States in harnessing the potential of traditional medicines for health, wellness, and people-centered health care, promoting safe and effective use, scientific advances, and protection of biodiversity and local resources.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent's roles and responsibilities will be as follows:

Monitor the implementation of WHO policy on TCIM practitioners, development and management of related documents or tools;
Contribute to the development and update of the normative and technical documents, database, educational materials or tools for training regarding TCIM practitioners;
Support the organization and coordination of WHO TCIM practitioner-related projects, oversee collection of evidence on TCIM practitioner-related policy and regulation;
Provide technical inputs and engage with subjects experts on developing technical products for improvement and assurance of TCIM practitioners' competencies to support their professional growth;
Develop an information sharing mechanism between countries and partners to facilitate exchange of information and experience regarding the regulation of TCIM practitioners across countries;
Organize and coordinate WHO interregional training programmes on capacity building of TCIM practitioners in the area of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine;
Support countries in the development and implementation of national policy and health plans on TCIM, including the implementation of WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034;
Provide technical support to countries in building regulatory mechanism for TCIM practitioners including standard classification and qualification of TCIM practitioners;
Provide technical support to countries in education and training of TCIM;
Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university professional degree in traditional, complementary or integrative medicine.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in traditional, complementary or integrative medicine, public health, education, or relevant subject.

Experience

Essential:

At least 5 years of experience in the field of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, among which 2 years in education and training.
Experience in collaborating with multilateral, bilateral and regional development institutions.
Demonstrated international exposure.

Desirable:

Experience working with WHO and/or other UN or international agencies.
Experience working in the field of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine clinical practice.
Experience in working in a multidisciplinary team of health professionals on integrating evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine into health-related community practices within rural settings.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge related to education and training in the area of traditional and complementary medicine.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of French.
Intermediate knowledge of Other UN language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1718 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

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 eManual.

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.

Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

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.

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.

*For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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Technical Officer (Traditional Medicine Norms, Standards, and Systems Integration)