Public Health Officer
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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa region is
the hardest hit where about74% of the estimated 1.2 million TB patients
co-infected with HIV occurred in 2014. For many years, efforts to tackle
TB and HIV have been largely independentof each other, despite their
overlapping epidemiology. The risk of progression from latent to active
TB is increased by infection with HIV. Likewise, TB is the most
important opportunistic disease that increases the progression to
acquire dimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the number one killer in
HIV-positive individuals. Thus, effective TB control can contribute to
better HIV/AIDS control by reducing the TB burden in people with HIV as
well as providing anentry point to HIV prevention and care for people
with TBThe HIV prevalence in the general population in Tanzania was 4.7%
in 2016/17, however, there are geographical variations across Tanzania,
ranging from 11.4 percent in Njombe to less than one percent (<1%)
in Lindi and Zanzibar. The number of AIDS related deaths continue to
decline. The EMTCT rate remains high at 11%(UNAIDS). Accordingto the
Tanzania HIV impact survey 2016/2017, the number of new HIV infections
stands at 81,000 new cases of HIV annually among adults ages 15 to 64
years and the 2021 HIV Estimates sows a decline to 68 000 new
infections. Of concern is that the new infections are in among young
peopleWHO estimates that over 2 billion people have been exposed to
hepatitis B virus and approximately 350 million people are chronically
infected with HBV. In Tanzania HBV prevalence is estimated at 4 % among
people aged 15 – 49 years. However there are geographical variation
among blood donors, ranging from 3,5% in Mbeya to ashigh as 9,2% in Mara
region and even higher is key populations (KPs)Chronic HBV infection is
the risk factor for the development of HCC. The progression of
chronicity and the associated pathogenesis directly correlate with
active viral replication demonstrable by serological markersSTIs though
closely related to HIV is also facing challenges in its management due
to unavailability of medicines.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Support the Health Sector, including the Ministry of
Health in strengthening national capacity and building partnerships for
the control of HIV/AIDS, STI, TB and VH in URT; Act as focal person in
the WHO Country Office to manage Hep, TB, STI and HIV related work
through coordination with Health Sector (MOH) counterparts, donors and
health partners in these areas; Provide technical support in the
development of TB and HIV/Hep/STI national strategic and operational
plans in addition to, coordination, supervision of interventions related
to their implementation, monitoring and evaluation at both national and
subnational level; Provide technical support to improve integrated
health information system, especially increased demand, generation and
use of quality data/information related to TB, STI, HIV/TB and Hep.
Participate in resource mobilization and contribute to proposal
development and implementation of, but not limited to, the Global Fund
grants, PEPFAR; Assist the Health Sector in ensuring the real-time
monitoring of the epidemiological trends of Hep, TB, STI and HIV, in
addition to the progress of the response; Provide technical support to
recommend programme initiatives and priorities, including
operational/implementation research, based on analysis of technical and
policy problems identified during the programme implementation; Liaise
with the government counterparts to facilitate and support adaptation
and implementation of the national TB, STI and HIV/Hep programmes in
line with the WHO normative guidance and international best
practice;Assist in the interpretation and translation of relevant
documentsEnsure a brokering role of main actors involved in the health
sector and advise the WHO Representative for policy dialogue aimed at
addressing bottle necks limiting progress of the response related to
Hep, TB, STI and HIV and Perform any other tasks assigned by the
supervisors
Public Health Officer Job Vacancy at WHO
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Medical degree or Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology or other related fields
Desirable: Post graduate training of Masters’ Degree in public health or epidemiology. specialized training in communicable diseases.
Experience
Essential: At least five years related experience in public health.
Desirable:
Skills
Extensive knowledge and experience in HIV and TB
prevention and control programming and implementation. Proven experience
in HIV and TB technical and programme management at country
level.1.Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis and STI Programming.2.Knowledge of
the Tanzania health system – management and strategic planning
atnational level.3.Ability to develop and facilitate the development of
HIV, STI, TB and VH guidelines and effectively monitor progress in use
of guidelines.4. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to
cooperate and negotiate with technical and funding agencies, and to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels
of staff.5.Experience with Global Fund proposal development, grant
management and implementation processes.6. Excellent communication
skills, including presentation skills, ability to write strategically
and speak clearly
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting
at TZS 145,847,000 (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 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.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
- For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
- WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
- 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.
- 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.