Technical Officer (Blood Products & Blood System)

Provide specialized technical support in blood systems, blood products and transfusion services, contributing to policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of WHO normative and technical activities. Coordinate programme activities and collaborate with WHO Regional and Country Offices and partners to strengthen Member States' capacities in blood product regulation and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized technical support in the assigned programme area, contributing to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of WHO normative and technical activities in line with organizational priorities.
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of policies, strategies, norms, standards and technical guidance related to blood systems, blood products and transfusion services, in collaboration with WHO Regional and Country Offices, to strengthen Member States' capacities.
• Coordinate designated programme activities, including work planning, resource management, monitoring of performance indicators, reporting and coordination of technical inputs, to ensure timely delivery of agreed outputs and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Conduct and contribute to technical research, evidence generation, analysis of best practices and development of capacity-building initiatives to inform policy development and programme implementation.
• Provide technical advice and support to WHO, Member States and partners on regulatory, quality assurance and standardization approaches for blood products and related diagnostics, including the application of WHO international standards and reference materials.
• Support the development, review and maintenance of WHO norms, standards, reference materials and technical guidance related to the regulation, safety, quality and availability of blood products, including activities under the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS).
• Coordinate the development of biological measurement standards and reference materials for blood products and in vitro diagnostics.
• Develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including WHO Collaborating Centres, donors, research institutions and non-State actors in official relations, supporting their contributions to blood regulation, supply and transfusion activities.
• Represent WHO at technical meetings, consultations and expert forums, promoting WHO recommendations and evidence-based approaches.
• Perform other related duties, as required, consistent with the level of the position.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's level degree or above) in medicine, and/or pharmacy, and/or biology, related to the functions of the position.
• A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields is desirable.
• A minimum of seven years of professional experience in the management of blood and other products of human origin areas, including experience in health policies and strategies.
• Experience in engaging and communicating effectively and diplomatically with external partners, including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.
• Experience in managerial and technical areas of blood establishment, in the regulation of blood and other products of human origin, e.g., at the Ministry of Health or national regulatory authority, and scientific areas related to transfusion medicine at e.g., academic institutions is desirable.
• Experience in developing measurement standards of blood products and in vitro diagnostics is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources is desirable.
• Knowledge about transfusion medicine and biologicals, and concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programs, which may include the implementation of public health/disease programs.
• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing strategies.
• Scientific knowledge regarding blood and other biological products including their safety and efficacy.
• Strong knowledge in blood transfusion safety area, as well as managing plasma as raw material for producing plasma-derived medicinal products.
• Expert knowledge of English is essential.
• Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable.

Skills

• Blood Products Management
• Transfusion Medicine
• Health Policy Development
• Public Health Program Coordination
• Blood Safety Management
• Regulation of Blood Products
• In Vitro Diagnostics Standards
• Human Resources Management
• Financial Resource Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• International Health Agencies Collaboration
• Strategic Planning
• Scientific Research in Blood Products
• Plasma Management
• Policy Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Technical Support in Blood Systems
• Multidisciplinary Program Planning

Languages

English, French