Director (Antimicrobial Resistance)

À propos de cette offre

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The strategic objective of the Department of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is to develop, promote, and monitor policies and strategies to prevent and mitigate drug-resistant infections globally, based on the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, the WHO General Programme of Work and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The department provides strategic leadership for the global response to AMR, coordinating with FAO, WOAH, UNEP and other international agencies, and fostering multisectoral engagement across the OneHealth spectrum. Its main objective is to support the development and implementation of One Health National Action Plans, focusing on infection prevention and control, global surveillance and consumption monitoring, antimicrobial stewardship, awareness, research and development, and implementation of the National Action Plan. The Department of AMR leads efforts to implement these plans, enhance country-level capacity, coordinate global surveillance, and monitor progress towards global targets.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Generic duties Ensures effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department and/or the specific programme managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives through managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and peer communities to optimize the department's financial resources, deliverables and mandate. Leads the articulation of a clear departmental vision in coherence with organizational strategy and ensure its operationalization through robust departmental performance management practices that drive measurable results and enhance overall organizational effectiveness. Leads the Department in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for dissemination and implementation in Regional and Country Office programmes. Provides highest level technical advice and expertise to Management in the respective area of work in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area of work. Leads the establishment and development of the Department's evidence-based policies and strategies for roll out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation. Ensures the management of the monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting of the Department's area of work of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Department deliverables. Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective area. Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global policies. Represent the Department area of work in global fora to position the area of work in the global health community.Provide strategic leadership to foster cross-departmental and cross-divisional collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact. Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels. Champion collective action through coordinated resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional initiatives.Contribute to the raising of Voluntary Contributions for work that is directly related to the WHO's Core Mandates, the agreed strategic direction and focused areas of work. Leads and coordinate resource mobilization efforts that are designed to strengthen WHO's presence and impact at regional and country levels, ensuring that newly secured resources are strategically aligned with field organization wide priorities, operational needs and budgets. Performs all other related duties as assigned. Specific duties Lead global AMR surveillance and antimicrobial consumption monitoring across the One Health spectrum. Guide the development and implementation of One Health National Action Plans, emphasizing prevention, stewardship, and research. Strengthen country-level capacity to operationalize AMR policies into effective, sustainable programmes. Coordinate the Global Action Plan on AMR and foster collaboration with Quadripartite agencies and international partners. Drive global advocacy and alignment of AMR priorities across human, animal, plant, food, and environmental sectors. Support cross-cutting WHO initiatives, including alignment with guidelines and product prequalification.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in public health, with a medical or scientific background (virology, microbiology, epidemiology) related to the functions of the position.

Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Antimicrobial Resistance or related areas such as major communicable diseases. Experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers. Experience managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies. Demonstrated experience at the international level. Track record of high-level political advocacy at a global level with UN agencies or other international organizations. Experience in facilitating interagency coordination or global working groups and networks within the United Nations system.

Desirable: PhD in public health, with a track record of peer-reviewed articles and reports relevant to the subject area. Relevant experience at three levels of the organization. Experience of working within a UN agency.

Skills

Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources. Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media. Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area. Globally respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in Antimicrobial Resistance. Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of public health/disease control programmes. Demonstrated leadership in managing global governance mechanisms, including working groups, networks,special envoys, interagency platforms, and technical partnerships, particularly within UN and Quadripartite frameworks. Proven ability to shape global policy, programming, and advocacy strategies, including effective engagement with non-state actors and coordination across WHO's three levels. Advanced proficiency in leveraging data analytics and health information systems to monitor AMR trends,strengthen surveillance, and inform evidence-based policy. In-depth understanding of the AMR landscape, including key stakeholders, institutional dynamics, and global response networks.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Ensuring the effective use of resources

Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN languages.

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 117,953 (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 8787 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 who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.
• Special selection procedures may apply.
• 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.
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