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 Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention.
The objective of the WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT) Programme within the Evidence Synthesis and Classification (ESC) Branch is to provide global leadership for evidence-based classification of tumours facilitating accurate diagnosis, thereby underpinning successful treatment and research. This is done through the publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series, and the WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems series, produced in collaboration with the International Academy of Cytology (IAC). The International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research (IC3R) supports the efforts of the WCT in evidence synthesis and classification, and the work of the Histopathology laboratory is pivotal to the production of the WCT book series.
The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and technical support to the Programme Head, standing and expert editorial board members, contributors, and subcommittee members so as to ensure timely publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours and WHO Reporting Systems for Cytopathology.
The goals of these two series, produced by the WHO Classification of Tumours Group in the Evidence Synthesis and Classification branch is to establish and update in a timely manner the ‘WHO Classification of Tumours’ that is accepted and used worldwide, and to establish the WHO Reporting Systems for Cytopathology.
The Information Assistant position provides administrative and technical support mainly to the Sr Information Assistant and when necessary to the Programme Head, WHO Classification of Tumours and WHO Cytopathology Reporting Systems Editorial boards to ensure timely publication of the series. S/he may also support other projects and initiatives of the programme if needed.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the Sr Information Assistant and overall guidance of the WCT Head, the incumbent supports the WHO Blue Books (print, online) and Cytopathology projects, and other projects of the group as needed, by performing the below duties:
- Assist in abiding by the established procedures for the WHO Blue Books.
- Support the coordination efforts for the Blue Books and Cytopathology projects in WCT, this includes:
- Facilitating the communication between WCT team and it’s counterparts; Editors and authors
- Liaising with the ethics and compliance officer for review of declarations of interests.
- Assisting WCT and Cytopathology Books collaborators, both internal and external.
- Providing support for the renewal of the WCT and Cytopathology Books editorial board.
- Supporting committees collaborating with the WCT Standing Editorial Board.
- Drafting communications and editing working documents, organizing meetings (online and in-person), inviting experts and authors on the books; liaising with authors, experts, and the IARC team to ensure that everyone has the necessary information required to work in a timely and efficient manner;
Providing support and coordination for other WCT projects, including the WCT and Cytopathology Books online, and other team projects and assisting WCT team members as required.
WHO COMPETENCIES
- Teamwork.
- Producing results.
- Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences.
- Communication.
Technical expertise.
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SKILLS
Essential:
Knowledge of relevant fields pertaining to the post: English language, effective external communication and correspondence, basic copy editing, project management, preparation of administrative reports, knowledge of declaration of interests policies, knowledge of copyright regulations.
Desirable: Management training.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Essential: Graduation from secondary school complemented by (DUT, BTS, or equivalent) in publication, documentation, library techniques, indexing and filing, project/business management or other related field.
Desirable: A university degree in a relevant field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Essential: At least 3 years of relevant projects work experience in similar environment
Desirable:
- Exposure to a broad range of organizational duties and responsibilities.
Experience of WHO/IARC procedures.
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USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS
Excellent knowledge of English is essential. Working knowledge of French is desirable.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (e.g. Physical Workplace Condition, if other than normal office environment; IT Skills; etc.):
- Work is performed in a normal office environment.
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft 365 package
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REMUNERATION
The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,396 per month and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness, and disability.
Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members.
Employment status is that of an international civil servant.
Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons residing in the local commuting area of Lyon.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.
- This post is subject to local recruitment and will ideally be filled by persons residing within the local commuting area of the duty station.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.
- If 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. IARC/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 Manual noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which may be extended subject to performance evaluation.
- For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int , and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int .
- IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/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.
- IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating States https://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/WHO jobs. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.
- IARC/WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
- IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- IARC/WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to fully express and develop their talents.
- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
