Scientist (Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights)

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights the incumbent will:

• Serve as the lead and senior technical and scientific reference in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights among the peer community, Member States, HRPUN cosponsors and other UN Agencies, WHO Regional and Country Offices, and other stakeholders and will provide authoritative advice on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights when requested.
• Oversee, develop and implement a research agenda and research priorities, informed by contemporary global health challenges, the scientific expertise and literature, recommendations of HRP advisory bodies, input from Member States and cosponsoring agencies, colleagues, managers and other stakeholders. Based on research priorities developed, the incumbent will ensure the development and establishment of strategic and operational plans for research and human capital development in this area.
• Lead and oversee research activities, including:(i) the conceptualization and development of research protocols, (ii) identification and recruitment of national partner research institutions, (iii) conceptualization and production of research agreements,(iv)organization of scientific meetings, (v) coordinate the facilitation of training workshops, (vi) conducting research site monitoring visits, (vii) collaborations with data management companies or organizations, (viii) oversight of the network of institutions participating in the research projects,(ix) analysis, write-up and publication of results, (x) evaluation of processes and results in preparation for subsequent research projects.
• Coordinate the strengthening of the capacity of research centres to ensure high-quality research that is compliant with WHO Institutional scientific and ethical standards.
• Synthesize evidence, carry out and commission systematic reviews of the literature in the field, input to evidence-based clinical and managerial guidelines.
• Ensure the writing and preparation of technical progress reports to governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors.
• Ensure adequate publication, conceptualize and draft manuscripts in the scientific literature of research outputs, and lead related communications activities to strengthen the dissemination, adaptation and use of WHO and HRP outputs by WHO Member States, working in close collaboration with the HRP communications team and the WHO Department of Communications.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, private sector, researchers, and other stakeholders to generate and use evidence for increased access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Lead fundraising activities for increased financial support in this area of work.
• Carryout other tasks, as required by the Unit Head and Director.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in public health, epidemiology, or another field that contributes to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Desirable: in a field related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of direct experience in international research and research management relating to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, including experience in low- and middle-income countries. At least 5 years of direct experience in leading research projects in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. At least 7 years of direct experience in developing policies and/or implementing programmes on sexual and reproductive health and rights, including on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Desirable: Working experience in a UN agency or an international nongovernmental organization in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights and its public health aspects.
• Strong research leadership, analytical and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by a track record of peer-review scientific publications in the area of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Fundraising knowledge and skills, as evidenced by previous success in mobilizing resources.
• Strong communication and diplomatic skills.
  

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
  

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN Language.