Programme Officer, Research Application - Industry and Third Sector at the West African Health Organization (WAHO)

The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is the health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) charged with leadership and coordination of health improvement programs across the ECOWAS region.

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Officer,  Research Application - Industry and Third Sector

Job Code: 0095
Location: Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Employment Type: Full Time
Grade: P3/P4
Directorate: Public Health & Research
Division: Research and Grants
Line Supervisor: Principal Programme Officer, Research & Grants

Role Overview
Under the supervision of the Principal Programme Officer, Research and Grants, the incumbent shall be responsible for the linkage of WAHO with the Industries and third sector on the following aspects:

• Development and implementation of regional research programmes in WAHO’s areas of interest.
• Development and implementation of regional research capacities strengthening.
• Dissemination of research outcomes.
• Synthesis and translation of the research outcomes into policy and practices.
• Ensure the implementation of policies and practices validated by relevant Authorities.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Assess the research development needs and the third-sector research needs at the 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;
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant industry and third sector stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and ensuring research aligns with their needs and objectives;
• Facilitate the translation of research findings into actionable recommendations and strategies for industry and third-sector partners;
• Advocate for research development programs in collaboration with industries;
• Identify research development priorities in the third sector;
• Contribute to the development of a database of actors in research development and research in the 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;
• Provide technical support in regional research development or research in the third sector;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Education:

• Medical Doctor, University Researcher or Pharmacist, or hold a Master's Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biology, Sociology, or a similar discipline from a recognized University.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of professional experience in the management and implementation of public health programmes as well as in the implementation of healthcare and pharmacy programs involving research centers/institutions.
• Knowledge of the health needs, health policies, and related research centers/institutions work environment in the ECOWAS member States.
• Ability to investigate the occurrence of health effects of medicines and health hazards/risks, strengthen disease surveillance, prevention, control and reporting mechanisms and analyse the determinants of identified health needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of WAHO’s mandate and operations in the areas of public health, and epidemiology.
• Knowledge of problems and needs in the pharmaceutical sector at country and regional level, and the ability to develop suggestions for resolving pharmaceutical challenges.
• Ability to develop programmes to support local pharmaceutical manufacturers to upgrade their facilities to attain GMP/WHO standards.
• Knowledge of 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.

Salary
USD37,431.66 - USD52,379.70 Annually.

Application Closing Date
10th January, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their completed Application Forms to: vn95rai@waho.ecowas.int using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download the Application Form (Docx.)

Click here for more information (PDF)

Each application must include the following:

• A completed Job Application Form
• A Cover Letter of not more than one page on the motivation for the application to the post
• A signed up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
• A certified copy of Birth Certificate.

Note

• Candidates must be ECOWAS citizens.
• Candidates must be under 50 years.
• Submitted documents shall not be returned.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Shortlisting and interview processes shall be based on the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
• Offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory background check.