Objective of the programme
WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks.
Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO
WHO's mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals;(iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; and (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage. The WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2025) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages; achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a good understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate. Mission of the WHO Country Office for India In the context of the General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating for public health. The CCS identifies containment of AMR as a priority focus area and strengthening of labs and AMR surveillance is a priority under the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. AMR is a flagship programme for the South-East Asia Region of WHO. Priorities of AMR-IPC-Labs Team at WCO India The AMR-IPC-Laboratory programme aims to strengthen the national and sub-national capacity for laboratory detection of drug resistant bacteria and laboratory networking for surveillance of AMR, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) and State Action Plans for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (SAPCAR); and strengthen the infection prevention and control (IPC)skills of key stakeholders in healthcare facilities.
Description of Duties
Under the overall guidance of Team Lead (Communicable Diseases) and direct supervision of NPO (AMR, Labs and IPC), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:
- Facilitate and support laboratory strengthening/networking for AMR surveillance at the national and sub-national level.
- Provide technical support to the state AMR surveillance networks in 3 states – Maharashtra Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (MAHASAR), Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) and WHO-IAMM Network for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Delhi (WINSAR-D) – and support the development and operationalization of more networks for surveillance of AMR at national level and in states.
- Provide technical support for trainings on WHONET and lab strengthening for surveillance of AMR.
- Liaise with key stakeholders to develop and implement activities to strengthen One Health surveillance of AMR.
- Support the activities of the WCO India Taskforce on Antimicrobial Resistance (WITAR), including One Health strengthening of laboratories and AMR surveillance at national and sub-national levels.
- Prepare regular technical updates and reports in liaison with other team members to support budget utilization and financial reporting for Lab/AMR activities.
- Provide hand-holding support and monitor/facilitate the timely achievement of AMR/Lab strengthening/networking/surveillance activities, milestones and expected outputs.
- Organize periodic review meetings to monitor/evaluate AMR/Lab activities as per the operational plan indicators.
- Provide regular and timely feedback to the responsible technical officer(s) and supervisors.
- Work as part of the AMR-IPC-Labs team at WCO India and assist in IPC activities.
- Support the drafting of technical and IEC resources on AMR, including Sameeksha on AMR.
- Perform other duties as assigned in the interest of the organization, if needed.
Requisition number: 2211719
Position title: National Professional Officer – Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Laboratories
Grade: NO-B
Contract duration: Two years
Contract type: Fixed- term appointment
Duty Station: India-New Delhi
Link to apply:
- WHO Careers Website: Careers at WHO
- Vacancies (staff member access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/in/jobsearch.ftl
- Vacancies (external candidate access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl