World Health Organisation (WHO)
Vacancy Notice No: SEARO/11/FT-12
Title: Technical Officer (Intellectual Property Rights, Trade and Health)
Grade: P5
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duration of contract: Limited Duration of Two Years
Date: 30 March 2011
Application Deadline: 29 April 2011
Duty Station: New Delhi, India
Organization unit: SEARO Regional Office for the South East Asia (SE/RGO) /SE/HSD Department of Health Systems Development (SE/HSD)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The objectives of the programmes in the WHO Regional office for South-East Asia (SEARO) are to influence national and international efforts in achieving public-health-friendly policies in trade, intellectual property and health, and to increase Member States’ ability to manage the challenges and benefit from opportunities related to intellectual property right (IPR), innovation and public health, notably with regard to access to medicines. This includes enabling increased understanding and providing advise on the implementation of relevant provisions in international trade agreements and other international treaties in a manner supportive of realizing public health objectives, and assisting Member States in setting priorities in these areas.
One of the main strategies is to assist countries by providing technical support on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), in line with resolution WHA 60.30 and other relevant resolutions. Other important strategies are to build and strengthen national and regional capacity, promote studies in the area of IPR, trade, innovation and access to medicines, including HIV/AIDS medicines, and facilitate intersectoral dialogues at national and regional level.
Description of duties:
Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems Development, and working in close collaboration with WHO/SEARO Technical Units, the incumbent will be the focal point for the development and implementation of strategies related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), innovation and access to medicines at regional and country levels. He/she will be responsible to assess at country level all legal issues regarding the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and other trade agreements on IPR and public health, and provide specific advice on policy adaptation and/or development to improve access to medicines, including HIV/AIDS medicines. In addition the incumbent will develop and coordinate activities to increase regional and country capacity for managing the public health implications of trade and IPR policies, and encourage public-health oriented innovation.
Specifically, the incumbent will provide technical support and expertise in the following areas:
1. Help countries to assess and analyze the public health implications of laws and treaties on intellectual property rights, and provide advice and technical assistance to countries on legal issues regarding access to medicines, including HIV/AIDS medicines:
- to assess the situation of the Member States regarding the legal issues and obligations , notably in the area of IPR, including obligations in trade agreements, with regard to public health and access to medicines;
- to provide the Member States with specific advise and recommendations to permit policy change, adaptation or development;
- to assist the Member States in building capacity and conduct research in the area of IPR, trade and public health;
- to share updated information with Member States on IPR and trade agreements, and demonstrate how they can affect public health/access to medicines and to make such information available on the WHO/SEARO Website.
2. Development and implementation of strategies at regional and country levels, taking into account global developments and realities:
- to analyze trends and identify issues and opportunities relevant for the region and Member States;
- to participate in the coordination and development of harmonized technical assistance and guidance in the area of IPR, innovation, trade and public health;
- to participate in the preparation of strategic and progress reports, including evaluation of trends, making recommendations for improvements;
- to participate in training activities as resource person.
3. Increase understanding and awareness in member states regarding trade negotiation processes, as well as regarding the issues addressed during trade negotiations that may have implications for public health, and assist Ministries of Health to give appropriate input during the process, notably;
- assistance to countries that are in the process of acceding to the WTO and help them identify issues that are of importance in the national context,
- targeted assistance to countries that are in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement that may have implications for public health.
4. Support the implementation of activities related to WHO on Public Health, Innovation and IPR at regional and country level, including:
- preparation of internal and external briefing notes,
- facilitate understanding of new concepts, notably in the areas of Intellectual property rights, promoting innovation and sustainable financing, among others by organizing meetings and workshops, including at the national level;
- assist countries in understanding the issues and their policy implications, as well as the relationship between the various elements,
- assist countries in identifying national priorities and in implementing relevant strategies and activities from the global strategy and plan of action;
- assist countries, in coordination with HQ, in implementing the strategy and plan of action;
- provide feedback on regional issues and priorities to HQ.
5. Assistance to countries in analyzing and advising regarding the protection of traditional medicine and traditional medicinal knowledge:
- to help countries understand the complexities of protecting traditional medicines, as well as the potential implications of disclosing information and knowledge on traditional medicines;
- to help countries assess possible role and applicability of intellectual property rights for protecting traditional medicines and to assess options and constraints;
- to review whether and how intellectual property rights can be used or adapted to protect traditional medicines.
6. Support and prepare activities and meetings of the Trade and Health Working Group in the SEA Regional Office with regard to intellectual property rights and pubic health, prepare reports and contribute to the conceptualization of activities related to trade in health services.
7. Performing other related activities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential: Advanced University Degree in Intellectual Property Rights Laws or Public Health or other relevant disciplines.
Desirable: Degree in International law, International Relations or Public Administration.
Competencies:
1) Communicating in credible and effective way
2) Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.
3) Moving forward in a changing environment
4) Promoting innovation and organizational learning
5) Fostering integration and teamwork
Skills:
Thorough knowledge of IPR and trade agreements and their impact on public health in general, and access to medicines in particular. Demonstrated successful and progressive experience in intersectoral collaboration. Ability to work independently in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work as a member of a team to achieve common goals. Ability to plan and work as a member of a team to achieve common goals. Ability to plan and work proactively. Computer literacy. Proven ability to work under pressure. Ability to work with other UN agencies, public relations and partner mobilization. Strong interpersonal skills, with capability to facilitate and strengthen the involvement and collaboration of a broad range of external partners.
Knowledge of WHO policies and programmes.
Other Skills (e.g. IT): Proficiency in basic computer skill in word-processing spreadsheet and data management. Other computer skills an advantage.
Experience:
Essential: At least 10 years of relevant experience especially in dealing with Intellectual Property Rights, Trade and Health including 5 years of international experience.
Desirable: Experience of conducting relevant training and capacity building in developing countries.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
US$ 80,629 at single rate
US$ 86,791 with primary dependants Post Adjustment: 39 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO’s e-Recruitment website at:
www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
