Molecular Biologist, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

## Molecular Biologist, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Organization:WHO - World Health Organization - Office:WHO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 12 Months Job Posting: Sep 9, 2026, 3:09:40 PM The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is part of and contributes to the work of the Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) cluster in the WHO African region. The ESPEN programme focuses on supporting Member States in achieving SDG targets related to the preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs), investing in fostering Member State investments in elimination of five neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma in the WHO African Region and in selected countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region, and as guided by the DPC strategic agenda. The vision of the DPC cluster is an African Region where access to health care services at all levels is optimized to provide responses that lead to control, elimination and eradication of targeted diseases, allowing people to thrive in healthy environments, attaining the highest possible standard of health and well-being, through the life course. The goal of the cluster is to drive attainment of relevant SDG targets in the WHO African region. The mission is to build an African Region that is resilient, agile and responsive to the complex requirements of its diverse populations, using an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that fosters cooperation and collaboration to support Member States' investments in disease control and prevention, building healthier populations, using equity-based and people-centred approaches. The cluster strategic directions are as follows: (1) Leadership in coordination, partnership, strategic communication and resource mobilization; (2) Generation of strategic information and knowledge products; (3) Development of WHO technical products, services, and tools; and (4) Country support facilitation and institutional capacity building. The overall objective of the ESPEN programme is to provide leadership and ensure action in Member States towards reducing morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with NTDs. Towards this objective, the ESPEN programme focuses on facilitating integrated, evidence-based, and people-centred approaches. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES - Ensure the general supervision of all tests performed in the laboratory by ensuring that protocols and SOPs are rigorously respected - Coordinate and supervise the development of the laboratory's biological sample repository - Collaborate closely with the Diagnostics and laboratory services Unit (HSS) Team lead on any laboratory matters to align the planning and activities of the ESPEN Laboratory with the regional strategy on diagnostics and laboratory for effective coordination and integration towards the strengthening of laboratory systems in countries. 2.Generation of strategic information and knowledge products: - Oversee the development, validation, and dissemination of standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance systems, and reference testing protocols - Ensure the laboratory contributes to defining regional norms and reference standards for quality assurance in NTD diagnostic networks - Document and disseminate best practices and laboratory protocols across national NTD laboratory network. - Provide technical support for the implementation of various collaborative operational research activities and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and publications.3.Development of WHO technical products, services, and tools: - Contribute to discussion on priority PC-NTDs diagnostic Target Product Profiles based on identified country and regional disease control needs - Produce and disseminate annual performance reports of the work of the ESPEN laboratory, including research findings to support NTD elimination strategies4.Country technical support facilitation: - Analyze the results of all assays performed in the laboratory and discuss with the laboratory head. - Provide accurate and timely data for decision-making on NTD elimination in endemic countries. - Contribute to planning and facilitating inter-country and in country-trainings to build capacity of nationals in laboratory analytics of epidemiological, entomological and environmental samples for NTDs. 5.Perform other related duties as requested by the ESPEN Team Lead. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Desirable: Master's degree and PhD in Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Entomology, Vector Biology, laboratory sciences. Desirable: Working experience with WHO and a good publication record on onchocerciasis and other NTDs would be an asset. Capacity to work with people of different cultures. - Excellent knowledge of the epidemiology of onchocerciasis (distribution, transmission, the socio-economic impact) and control and elimination strategies in the African Region - A good knowledge of the epidemiology and the control strategies of lymphatic filariasis and or other NTDs - Ability to organise and manage a functional laboratory. - Ability to conduct country laboratory needs assessment in capacity building and coordinate training sessions to build capacity of nationals in laboratory techniques related to onchocerciasis, LF, and other PC-NTDs. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Creating an empowering and motivating environment Use of Language Skills Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of English. The above language requirements are interchangeable. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework. - This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. - Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. - A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening. - In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review. - According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. - Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual. - The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment. - Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply. - WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. - WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staf