Programme Officer, Research Applications – Industry & Third Sector at the West African Health Organization (WAHO)

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) is the health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a mandate to ensure the attainment of the highest possible standard and protection of the health of the people in the ECOWAS region.

Within the framework of the Regional “Reproductive Health and REV Prevention Programme in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)”, WAHO and the German Financial Cooperation (Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau / KFW) have agreed to establish a Regional Financing Mechanism for Reproductive Health Commodities.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Programme Officer, Research Applications – Industry & Third Sector

Job Code: VN95
Location: West Africa
Institution: WAHO
Grade: P3/P4
Agency: West African Health Organization
Directorate: Public Health and Research
Division: Research & Grants
Line Supervisor: PPO Research & Grants
Supervising: None

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Principal Professional Officer, Research and Grants, The Programme Officer, Research Applications – Industry & Third Sector shall be responsible for the linkage of WAHO with the Industries and third sector on the following aspects:
  • Development and implementation of regional research programs in WAHO’s areas of interest,
  • Development and the implementation of regional research capacities strengthening and
  • Dissemination, synthesizing and translation of the research results into policy and practices.

Role and Responsibilities
The incumbent shall be engaged at regional level on:

• Assess the research development needs and the third sector research needs at regional level,
• Analyse the determinants of third sector research programs success.
• Assess the implementation of research development and the third sector programs,
• Investigate the occurrence of drug effects,
• Strengthen regional pharmacovigilance,
• Advocate for research development programs in collaboration with industries,
• Identify research development priorities in the third sector,
• Develop a database of actors in research development and research in third sector,
• Build inter-sectoral action to support research development or research in the third sector,
• Develop and implement research development programs in the third sector in collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Document research development and research in third sector evidence and transform these into policies and practices.
• Provide quality assurance mechanisms on research development programs or research programs in third sector
• Take a lead role in regional research development or research in third sector.

Academic Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine or Pharmacy or Public Health or Medical Science or any of the Allied Health Sciences from a recognised university.

Experience:

• 5 to 7 years of professional experience in management and implementation of public health programs on Non-Epidemic Diseases & Neglected Tropical Diseases, particularly Malaria and in the implementation of public health programs involving test and research laboratories,
• Knowledge of the health needs, health policies and related laboratory work environment in the ECOWAS member States;
• Ability to investigate the occurrence of health effects and health hazards, strengthen disease surveillance, disease prevention, control and notification and analyse the determinants of identified health needs.
• Knowledge of the International Health Regulations, the epidemiology of infectious diseases and other threats to regional health security, as well as issues and practices related to disease prevention and control in the West African region.
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures on Non-Epidemic Diseases & Neglected Tropical Diseases and in implementation of public health strategies on Non-Epidemic Diseases & Neglected Tropical Diseases, particularly Malaria,
• Demonstrated knowledge of WAHO mandates and operations in the areas of public health, epidemiology, Tuberculosis, HIV and other communicable disease prevention and control strategies and programmes.
• Knowledge of problems and needs in the pharmaceutical sector at country and regional levels, and the ability to develop suggestions for resolving pharmaceutical challenges;
• Ability to develop programs to support local pharmaceutical manufacturers to upgrade their facilities to attain GMP/WHO standards;
• Knowledge the principles and practice of public health management in the ECOWAS region, and proven ability to conduct Research Development or research with the third sector in West Africa.

ECOWAS Key Competencies
P3-02-01 Leadership:

• Ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices;
• Ability to lead a team of trainees/junior staff and instill a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities;
• Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
• Ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval;
• Ability to utilize the Code of Ethics to manage self, others, information and resources;
• Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues and the subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance;
• Contribute to maintaining organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.

P3-03-01 Client Service Orientation:

• Interpersonal skills with ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to timeline, quality and quantity;
• Ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions;
• Ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with clients/stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their need, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs;
• Ability to counsel, advise, consult and guide others on matters pertaining to assigned client service responsibilities and established client service standards
• Proven experience in the management of Health Information system
• Knowledge in database development and management. DHIS2 knowledge will be an advantage
• Advanced knowledge in health information analysis tools.
• Excellent management capacity, including networking and alliance building.
• Ability to work within a multinational environment and with a diverse range of people and organisations at the national, regional and global levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team setting, group facilitation and good interpersonal skills.
• Proven knowledge of new developments in own occupation/profession.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.

P3-04-01 Multicultural Sensitivity and Advocacy:

• Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race and religion;
• Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy;
• Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to work in a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths;
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an un-biased and transparent manner.

P3-05-01 Knowledge of ECOWAS:

• Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programmes and policies;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS internal operational requirements of programs, projects, services and systems required to achieve work assignments and meet performance goals;
• Knowledge of rules and procedures of ECOWAS associated assigned responsibilities and ability to explain these clearly to others;
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS culture, structures and performance issues and priorities impacting assigned responsibilities;
• Knowledge of member states development trends, indicators, challenges and opportunities as it relates to project/programme assigned to own position.

P3-06-01 Analytical and Critical Thinking:

• Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make recommendations;
• Ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance and performance targets;
• Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals;
• Ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.

P3-07-01 Communication:

• Demonstrate operational computer proficiency using appropriate tools;
• Ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write semi-complex technical reports/proposals and edit/check templates, letters, etc.
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means, ;
• Exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions and debate ideas with others in a constructive manner;
• Proficiency in information communication technologies(ICT);
• Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.

P3-08-01 Planning and Implementation:

• Ability to develop, implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work goals;
• Identify ,organize and monitor tasks throughout to facilitate execution;
• Ability to contribute and/or lead on projects as per accepted project management standards and techniques, to co-ordinate contributions by others to set and meet deadlines;
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators and risks;
• Ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of an ECOWAS Member State.
• Must not be more than 50 years of age at the time of recruitment. This does not apply to internal candidates.

Application Closing Date
9th April, 2022.