World Health Organization Job Vacancy: Lawyer - Geneva, Switzerland

TERMS OF REFERENCE
FOR A CONSULTANCY

Lawyer

1 January -31 December 2016 

BackgroundIn May 2011, the Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly adopted the PIP Framework, which brings together Member States, industry, other key stakeholders, and WHO to implement a global approach to pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The objectives of the Framework are two-fold:

• to improve and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential (‘IVPP’) through a WHO-coordinated network of public health laboratories (known as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System or ‘GISRS’), and; 
• to promote the fair and equitable access, by developing countries, to the benefits arising from such sharing.

Access to those benefits is secured by WHO through, inter alia, the ‘Standard Material Transfer Agreements 2’ or ‘SMTA 2’(See Annex 2 of the PIP Framework). The SMTA 2 is a legally-binding contract that is to be concluded by WHO with each non-GISRS recipient of PIP biological materials (PIP BM) (See PIP Framework Section 4.1.). This includes influenza vaccine, diagnostic and pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech firms, and research and academic institutions. Through these contracts, WHO secures advance access to, inter alia, important pandemic response supplies, such as vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics.

Scope of work

The consultant will provide support to PIP Secretariat SMTA 2 team on the overall planning and negotiation of SMTA 2s.

Duration and PerformanceFrom 1 January-31 December 2016, divided in two 6-month contracts. The second contract will be issued after 6 months, based on a performance assessment.

DeliverablesUnder the supervision of the PIP Secretariat SMTA 2 team lead, the consultant will :

• Assist with reviewing and drafting negotiation documents. 
• Liaise with corporate entities for negotiation purposes.
• Conduct research on corporate entities, institutions and influenza products.
• Manage conclusion of agreements with academic and research institutions.

The Consultant will provide a weekly report on progress to the PIP Secretariat SMTA 2 team lead.

Qualifications, Experience and skills
Essential

• Juris Doctor (or equivalent) 
• At least 2 years of legal experience.
• Commercial law and contract drafting experience.
• Member of a recognized law society or equivalent organization.
• Excellent writing skills in English.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform independently under minimal supervision.

Desirable

• Experience working in or with the biotechnology sector, including a technology transfer office.

RemunerationThe level of remuneration will be governed by WHO policy guidelines and will be determined by the nature of the work, knowledge, qualifications and essential experience.

Deadline: 23 Nov 2015

Job email: pipframework(at)who.int 

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