Public Health Officer - P3

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WHO began when our Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day. We are now more than 7000 people from more than 150 countries working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at our headquarters in Geneva.

Our primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system and our main areas of work are health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.

We support countries as they coordinate the efforts of governments and partners – including bi- and multilaterals, funds and foundations, civil society organizations and the private sector.

Working together, we attain health objectives by supporting national health policies and strategies.

WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

Our goal is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.

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Job description

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PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. The objective of the IARC is to promote international collaboration in cancer research.

The Early Detection, Prevention and Infections branch (EPR) is investing in projects aimed at evaluating new and existing cancer early detection and prevention strategies and programs globally, including performing situational analysis and providing evidence-based strategies for effective country level actions in the context of national cancer control planning and research for implementation. The project(s) involve(s) coordinating major international and national network of stakeholders (including MoH representatives and WHO national/regional offices) and local partners, with the long-term objective to improve cancer control plans and quality assurance on cancer early detection programmes.

Cancer control is receiving increased priority globally as governments recognize and respond to the non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). As an international Agency and part of the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) supports countries in evaluating their cancer prevention and screening at national and sub-national levels identifying context-appropriate evidence-based public health strategies to be adopted through research for implementation.

The projects perform a comprehensive evaluation and provide evidence-based strategies for effective country level actions in the context of national cancer control planning and research for implementation. The project(s) involve(s) coordinating major international and national network of stakeholders (including MoH representatives and WHO national/regional offices) and local partners, with the long-term objective to improve cancer control plans and quality assurance on cancer early detection programmes.

This position will support to improve the cancer outcomes for multiple cancer sites, as well as support other related projects in different countries, by evaluating their cancer screening programmes (capacity assessment, governance, readiness for change, information system, etc.) and its integration/impact in the health system; promoting capacity building; provide strategic directions, guidance and support to stakeholders of different cultures and backgrounds; proposing evidence-based interventions to tackle identified gaps and barriers, and implementing pilot studies.

The incumbent will be involved in coordinating projects that assess cancer control practices, health systems, and related policies across various countries. It emphasizes strengthening capacity through knowledge sharing in cancer prevention and early detection. Additionally, it supports the implementation of funded initiatives aimed at reducing the cancer burden by promoting evidence-based, quality-assured, and sustainable prevention and screening programs.

Early detection and prompt treatment of cancer are important components of comprehensive cancer control. Aligned with senior scientists, the role involves strategic leadership and coordination with both national and international stakeholders to advance research in cancer prevention and early detection. This includes independently conducting health system analyses and producing actionable outputs such as reports, guidelines, implementation strategies and action plans, and public health policy documents. The position also provides strategic guidance and operational support to partner institutions for both ongoing and new projects, ensuring alignment with broader public health goals.

Additionally, the role encompasses capacity building through the design and delivery of capacity building and training programs, and extends to supervising junior staff and researchers, including Masters, PhD, and post-doctoral students. A key responsibility is securing funding by applying for grants and serving as Principal Investigator for projects that align with the organization's strategic objectives

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the below duties:

1. Lead and coordinate complex, multi-country public health projects in cancer control, with a focus on focused on evaluating cancer control policies and practices, strengthening capacity for the implementation and continuous improvement of population-based cancer early detection programmes aligned with WHO/IARC guidelines and international quality standards. This includes managing project planning, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of in-country activities and the following specific duties:

a. Provide high-level technical support and strategic advice, guidance and support stakeholders of different cultures and backgrounds, including national health authorities, particularly Ministries of Health, on strengthening early detection and screening programmes, This includes leading meetings with Ministries of Health representatives and senior government officials;

b. Represent IARC/WHO at high-level technical meetings, working groups and expert consultations, acting as a subject matter expert in cancer early detection and public health systems strengthening;

c. Coordinating country missions, consultations and multi-stakeholder engagements;

d.