Structured Operational Researcher - World Health Organization

The position is aimed to strengthen WHO support to AMR initiatives in Ghana in line with the Global Action Plan on AMR in the context of the one health approach. Most specifically the incumbent will support the implementation of the Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT) in the country.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):

The position is aimed to strengthen WHO support to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) initiatives in Ghana in line with the Global Action Plan on AMR in the context of the “One Health” approach. Most specifically the incumbent will support the implementation of the Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT) in the country. SORT IT is a global partnership coordinated by the Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and implemented with partners. It seeks to make countries “data rich, information rich and action rich”.

The AMR/SORT IT Technical Officer will ensure that SORT IT complements the ongoing AMR work of the WHO country office.

Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.; available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization):

Supervised by the Health Systems and Services Cluster Lead, under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative for Ghana, the incumbent will provide technical support to the government to conduct operational research according to national priorities, build sustainable operational research capacity and promote evidence-informed decision-making. The position also requires the incumbent to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the WHO/TDR SORT IT project and be the link between the National Authorities and the WHO focal points in the Country Office and Geneva.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

Under the direct supervision of the designated AMR focal point in the WCO, and under the overall direction of the WHO Country Representative, the SORT IT/AMR Technical Officer will:

• Ensure implementation of the AMR SORT IT project at the country level
• Coordinate SORT IT workshops and related meetings, engage with partners in operational research around AMR

• Embed SORT IT related activities within the respective national AMR action plans and coordinating mechanisms.
• Ensure that SORT IT complements the ongoing AMR work of the WHO country office.
• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by the WHO Representative.

Competencies (Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required – See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones – identify a minimum of three and a maximum of five competencies):

Education (Qualifications):

Essential: A first degree in Medicine or Veterinary Medicine or Pharmacy or Nursing and or Laboratory Sciences.

Desirable: An advanced university degree in Public Health

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years’ experience working in the health sector, food and agriculture sector and environment sector with at least 2 years working on AMR

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English.

Other Skills (e.g. IT): Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) with an emphasis of Excel or a similar workbook application