Occupational Health Specialist - Ergonomist

Occupational Health Specialist - Ergonomist

Job # : req27841

req27841

Organization : World Bank

World Bank

Sector : Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Grade : Term Duration :

Term Duration : 3 years 0 months

3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type :

International Recruitment

Location :

Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s) :

English

Preferred Language(s) :

Closing Date :

6 / 21 / 2024 (MM / DD / YYYY) at 11 : 59pm UTC

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges.

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development.

With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Visit www.worldbank.org.

The World Bank Group (WBG) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Health and Safety Directorate (HSD) serves approximately 18,000 staff of the two organizations with around 60% based in Washington DC Headquarters (HQ), and the rest in Country Offices (CO).

HSD's mission is to protect and promote the health and safety of staff wherever they may be, taking account of their individual health status, working environment and job demands.

This is achieved by managing health risks, offering an evidence-based, quality controlled occupational health and safety services, and nurturing trust in clients through professionalism and confidentiality.

As part of the Occupational Health and Safety unit, the Occupational Health Specialist (Ergonomist) will deliver ergonomics within the framework of WBG Occupational Health and Safety.

This position will guide the ergonomics team and coordinate with other HSD units providing health and safety related services to World Bank Group staff according to the policies and procedures of the Health and Safety Directorate.

Ergonomic services include advisory to headquarter and country office staff, managers and vendors on ergonomic health and safety related matters and assistance with the utilization of suitable software programs, office furniture and adaptive technology equipment.

Advice will include installation, operation, and appropriate application of such equipment to ensure its use in a safe and efficient manner.

Advisory and support to staff with disabilities during onboarding and return to work processes forms an integral part of ergonomic services.

The HSD ergonomist shall be responsible for advising on ergonomic workplace practices to reduce risk and manage exposure to injury while facilitating workplace accommodations.

This will include the use of ergonomic platforms, learning programs for training and self-risk assessment.

When dealing with any medical confidential information the ergonomist will adhere to the confidentiality standards set forth in the policies of the World Bank Group and Health and Safety Directorate.

Scope and Complexity

The Ergonomist's role is to develop, coordinate and implement the objectives of the overall ergonomic program, including developing and guiding HSD staff providing ergonomic assessments and training.

The work includes activities related to the evaluation of the overall work environment, the individual worker's health risks, his or her job requirements and the workstation, to include IT equipment and furniture.

The Ergonomist is expected to apply best practices in the field of ergonomics and to ensure that others on the ergonomics team are knowledgeable and able to implement these same standards.

Duties and Accountabilities

1. Ergonomic Program Coordination and Development :

• Develop, coordinate and promote projects and initiatives for the ergonomic team in cooperation with all units within the Health & Safety Directorate.
• Establish yearly strategic goals for the ergonomic team.
• Recruit ergonomic consultants, who are highly qualified to perform all levels of ergonomic consultations, for the consideration of the hiring manager.
• Serve as an advisor and project manager for ergonomists on the team with less experience (see ergonomic consultations and training expectations).
• Advise on and provide active oversight for ergonomic vendor contracts which include technology consulting specialists, adaptive technology for accommodations and ergonomic online software.
• Coordinate with facilities teams globally to educate teams on relevant ergonomic and accessibility concepts and assist in decision making as applicable to provide proactive ergonomic support wherever possible.
• Coordinate with IT services globally to educate teams on relevant ergonomic and accessibility concepts, ensure compatibility with DAF accommodations and assure that all staff have access to ergonomic online resources.
• Coordinate with all relevant partners such as the health promotion team, ergo champions, fitness center, counseling staff, and field health and medical staff.
• Research and continuously update ergonomic equipment and furniture recommendations to ensure the best use of new systems and equipment.
• Collect and analyze ergonomic program data to record team productivity and accomplishments and to inform on the need for program changes.
• Represent the ergonomic team within the Health & Safety Unit and Health & Safety Directorate in all required meetings.
• Represent the ergonomic team to departments, groups and individuals outside of the Directorate through consultations and on committees as directed.
• Liaise with staff at all levels of the organization to participate in initiatives and research as directed.

2. Ergonomic Consultations and Training Expectations :

• Provide educational seminars globally on office ergonomics best practices.
• Provide individual ergonomic consultations and recommendations to staff globally.
• Use objective and subjective information to assess work environments and their effect on users.
• Use detailed knowledge of the human body to analyze how people use equipment.
• Investigate the physical capabilities and limitations of the human body for targeted tasks.
• Interview individuals and observe them in their environment as part of the assessment process.
• Utilize assessment results to support recommendations.
• Design practical solutions to implement improvements in the workstation and work process.
• Evaluate the use of systems or products to ensure safety and appropriateness.
• Produce reports of findings and recommendations using applicable software programs.
• Visit a wide range of environments, such as offices and other work areas, in order to assess health and safety standards or to investigate workplace incidents in coordination with the health & safety team.
• Provide advice, information and training to colleagues and clients within the scope of expertise.
• Travel to country office locations as needed to achieve ergonomic program strategic goals.

3. Supporting Accommodation for Staff with Disabilities :

• Provide individual ergonomic consultations and accommodation recommendations as part of the onboarding process for staff with disabilities and / or during the return-to-work process or when required.
• Provide advisory support to other stakeholders (e.g., GCS, IT) on the implementation of workplace accommodations.
• Design practical solutions to implement improvements in the workstation and work process specifically as it relates to staff with disabilities and accommodations required.
• Use professional expertise to advise the Disabilities Accommodation Fund on appropriate recommendations for introducing and implementing staff member accommodations.
• Evaluate the use of systems or products to ensure safety and appropriateness.

Provide advice, information and training to colleagues and clients within the scope of expertise.

Travel to country office locations as needed to achieve strategic goals in the support of disability inclusion.

4. Document and Data Management

• Assist in the design and workflow processes for notification and tracking of ergonomic consultations including accommodation consultations.
• Monitor and evaluate the Ergo program by data analysis and identification of actionable items
• Assist in the design of a system to function as a repository for accident, incident, investigations, assessment reports corrective and preventative actions including as required noncompliance actions and follow-up where applicable.
• Provide metrics to the HSD analytics team to demonstrate ergonomic service delivery.

5. Resource Management

• Ensure that the ergonomics team and software contract(s) remain operational within allocated budget envelopes.
• Identify as needed additional budget savings and efficiencies when applicable and provide updates to HSD leadership on any anticipated increase in budgetary expenditures or loss for current and future fiscal periods.

1. Competencies :

Technology and systems knowledge - Exhibits excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications Office 365 and proficiency of technology or / and systems relevant to functional area.

Able to coach less experienced staff on relevant technology and systems. Examples include OHS management system platforms, such as Sodales Solutions and ergonomic risk management platforms such as Cardinus LLC.

Project and task management - Able to undertake diverse and complex assignments with minimal supervision and resolve competing demands.

Demonstrates good organizational skills, can plan and prioritize own work and work of internal clients

Institutional policies, processes, and procedures - Demonstrates relevant functional knowledge and understanding of institutional priorities, policies, operational and administrative procedures, and people.

Able to practically apply and guide others in policy application.

Client Orientation - Able to interact with clients with discretion and diplomacy, strictly complying with data privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Demonstrates ability to resolve complex client-related issues. Displays understanding of relevant internal and external factors and their impact on the client.

• Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
• Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
• Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Able to communicate in a constructive and professional manner. Can assist in the preparation of written materials in accordance with WB administrative guidelines and best practices.

Able to contribute to unit's knowledge sharing

Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Able to effectively and independently provide general research support.

Demonstrates ability to assess situation, and make sound judgment on action needed

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree with minimum of 8 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in ergonomics or related field.
• Strong theoretical base in subject area, combining a broad grasp of relevant theory and principles and of involved practices and precedent including ergonomics, workplace accommodations and organizational health and safety.
• Ability to translate theory into practical applications in context of WBG work.
• Ability to guide and participate in multi-disciplinary teams, ability to advise more junior staff.
• Valid professional ergonomics affiliation, membership or registration and / or a license to practice as ergonomist
• Demonstrated understanding of health and safety technical concepts and human anatomy and physiology.
• A problem-solving approach to ergonomics and disability accommodation with the ability to work independently and autonomously.
• A systematic approach to studying people in their work environment to support recommendations and research.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in, specific accommodations for staff with disabilities
• High level of interpersonal skills and ability to constructively receive feedback.
• Proficiency in English.
• Fluency in additional languages of the WBG is highly beneficial.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork experience, cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a multinational environment.
• Knowledge of data analysis, biostatistics and epidemiology would be an advantage
• Discretion and tact in dealing with highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Proven skills in organizing, prioritizing, scheduling, planning and coordinating work

Note : This internal requisition is open to WB and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants / temporaries).

External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.