WHO"s Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR) aims to promote and support a global effort to enable people to protect their own health as it relates to sexuality and reproduction and to have access to health services and receive care in matters related to sexual and reproductive health when needed. To achieve this, the Department advocates and promotes sound public health strategies, sets norms and standards, engages in technical cooperation activities, and supports relevant research.
RHR includes the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating interdisciplinary research on sexual and reproductive health; for collaborating with countries in enhancing national capacities to conduct this research; for promoting the use of research results in policy-making and planning for sexual and reproductive health care; and for the setting of standards and guidelines, including ethical guidelines, in the field of sexual and reproductive health research.
Director RHR/HRP plays a leadership and reference role among United Nations agencies and partners in integrating sexual and reproductive health into the international development agenda through the coordination and promotion of relevant research, the development of evidence-based best practices and the provision of technical support to countries wishing to strengthen their policies and programmes and the quality and reach of their services in sexual and reproductive health. This is carried out by providing vision and overall strategic, scientific and operational direction to RHR as well as to HRP.
The successful candidate will have proven leadership and management experience, at least some of which is at the international level. Experience of sexual and reproductive health programmes and their public health aspects, particularly in developing countries is essential. Research management experience is required. The successful candidate will have an advanced degree in a health-related field, with a post-graduate qualification in a discipline related to sexual and reproductive health, preferably at the PhD level. A post-graduate degree in public health is desirable.
To Apply
For a complete description of this opportunity, further details about RHR and HRP, and to apply, please click here
Closing date for applications: May 31 2008.
