Position description
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
Provide technical support in the coordination of WHO programmes on epidemic and emergency preparedness and response, providing assistance to the health authorities and other relevant stakeholders in order to strengthen national preparedness, response, and core capacities under International Health Regulation IHR for emerging infectious diseases. This will contribute to the mission of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE), which is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of WHO Representative and direct supervision of Health Policy Advisor (Universal Health Coverage), the incumbent shall perform the following functions:
- Work in coordination with all technical focal points at regional and headquarters level, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office. Provide technical assistance to national authorities in and coordinate all aspects of the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
- Technically support the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations, risk and situation assessments, and infectious hazards management;
- Provide technical assistance to national authorities for prevention of health risks emerging from malnutrition, unsafe food, and unhealthy diets. Collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management, develop/revise national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan;
- Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs. Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable/affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors;
- Support the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan, and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations including to manage identified risks; effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
- Support the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
- Coordinate the knowledge capture from policy, strategic and field interventions, and ensure its dissemination;
- Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field (such as epidemiology, public health, or another medical field);
- Desirable: Training in applied epidemiology.
Experience
- Essential: A minimum of five years of work experience relevant to the position (in public health; planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities in a developing country and/or at regional level). Experience required in strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks. Experience in working partnerships for health policy and strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, or recovery especially in a developing country setting;
- Desirable: Experience in or knowledge of WHO mandate and goals and/or experience with United Nations funds and programmes. Some of the above-listed experience to have been obtained in an international context.
Skills
- The principles and programmes of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response. Knowledge of the International Health Regulations (IHR). The development and coordination of health policy and/or strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems. Excellent oral and writing skills, including for reports, oral presentations and technical documents.
WHO Competencies
- Teamwork;
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences;
- Communication;
- Producing results;
- Ensuring the effective use of resources.
Use of Language Skills
- Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Application instructions
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