About the opportunity
The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is part of the DPC Cluster, focusing on supporting Member States in achieving SDG targets related to preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). ESPEN invests in fostering Member State investments in the 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 selected Eastern Mediterranean countries. The Research Officer will support coordination, partnerships, strategic communication, generation of strategic information, development of technical products, and country technical support facilitation under a temporary appointment.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 56,046
- Variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in the duty station (amounting to USD 1,789 per month)
- 30 days of annual leave
- Allowances for dependent family members
- Home leave and education grant for dependent children
- Parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements
Who can apply?
- First university degree in computer sciences, information system engineering, geographical information system (GIS), Public Health, Parasitology, or medical entomology
- Minimum of 2 years of national and international experience in applied molecular biology, research and development of surveillance tools for onchocerciasis or other priority NTDs in Africa, and GIS data transformation for mapping and spatial modeling of onchocerciasis foci
- Expert knowledge of French and intermediate knowledge of English (language requirements are interchangeable)
Required documents
- Scanned copy of the required degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) (requested if candidature is retained for interview)
- Updated vaccination card during the medical clearance process
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: August 21, 2026
- Closing Date: September 11, 2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Review detailed guidance on completing job applications via the official candidate instructions
- Submit your application online through the WHO careers portal before the deadline
Additional information
- Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Grade: P2
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening
- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Background in GIS, public health, or molecular biology
- At least 2 years of experience in research and surveillance tool development
- Expertise in GIS data transformation and spatial modeling
- Fluency in French with intermediate English skills
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a 12-month temporary appointment
- The position is based on-site in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- The role requires a mix of technical research and partnership coordination
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a valuable opportunity for a researcher to apply spatial modeling and molecular biology skills to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. It is an excellent way to gain international experience within a specialized WHO project.
Our take
Highly suitable for early-to-mid-career researchers with GIS or parasitology expertise who are looking to contribute to disease elimination efforts in West Africa.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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