Research Officer
Organizational Context
The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) supports Member States in achieving SDG targets for preventive chemotherapy NTDs in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions. ESPEN aims to reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with NTDs by facilitating integrated, evidence-based, and people-centred approaches, aligning with the DPC cluster's strategic agenda for healthier populations.
Job Purpose
This role supports the ESPEN programme's objective of reducing morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the WHO African Region. The position contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to preventive chemotherapy NTDs by supporting Member States in their elimination efforts. The role involves technical support in research, data management, and capacity building within national NTD laboratories, fostering integrated and evidence-based approaches to disease control and prevention.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include contributing to the development of laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and diagnostic tools for NTDs. The role involves providing technical support for operational research studies related to PC-NTD elimination and performing entomological testing using molecular biology techniques. Additionally, the incumbent will document and disseminate best practices, support laboratory database maintenance, develop data mapping, and liaise with the ESPEN data team. The position also entails contributing to planning and facilitating training sessions to build national capacity in laboratory analytics and GIS mapping for NTDs.
Work Experience
Essential: A minimum of two years of national and international experience in applied molecular biology, research and development of surveillance tools for onchocerciasis or other priority NTDs in Africa, and GIS data transformation for mapping and spatial modeling of onchocerciasis foci. Desirable: Experience with WHO and a good publication record on onchocerciasis and other NTDs.
Skills
Excellent knowledge of onchocerciasis epidemiology and control strategies in the African Region; good knowledge of lymphatic filariasis epidemiology and control; strong knowledge of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques and tools; ability to perform population analysis of biological specimens for NTDs (vectors and parasites); ability to conduct laboratory needs assessments and coordinate training sessions.