Technical Officer (EHA) at World Health Organization

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) 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

The incumbent will be required to perform all or part of the following duties:Manage WHO's emergency preparedness and response program and team at national or subnational level.Participate in reviewing/developing legal frame works, policies and strategies to ensure integration of IHR and creation of a favorable legal and policy environment for disaster risk management, emergency preparedness and responseProvide technical guidance to the Ministry of Health(MoH) on the establishment/strengthening of capacity for emergency response including an Emergency Management System /Emergency Operation Centre (IMS/EOC) for multi-sectoral emergency management that includes staffing, defined roles/responsibilities and resources for key functional areas. Support national and local health authorities, partnerwith UN agencies, international, governmental and nongovernmental organizations/institutions, to: Assess and map existing and emerging health risks in the country and prepare a national risk profile based on a risk assessment. Assess health needs of affected populations in cooperation with technical units at RO and HQ level. Assess national capacities for emergency management, including preparedness, and support the development and implementation of a national Health Emergency Response Plan/National Action Plan for Health Security, including supporting mobilization of the needed resources for its implementation. Review the National Health Plan/National Health Emergency Response Plan as needed (when these already exist), take additional action, including the development of contingency plans for specific high priority risks. Mobilize and coordinate resources, oversee the operational and strategic planning of the health response plans, identify resource needs and funding gaps; encourage donors to fund the overall health sector response to affected populations. 5. Coordinate the development, implementation, monitoringand evaluation of strategies, operational and HR plans for the WCO's emergency information management, Country preparedness and International Health Regulations (2005), risk assessments and Infectious hazard management related activities. 6. Coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting on theEPR component of the WCO biennial workplan, and support resource mobilization to support its implementation.7. In cooperation with other levels of the response, validate the related information, communications, advocacy products and statements before release to internal and external partners as well as tothe public.8. Collaborate with other agencies and I/NGOs, including through the Health Cluster approach and directly as operational implementingpartners, 9. Co-develop a detailed task-based work plan and budget for implementation of priority activities identified in the National Health Emergency Response Plan/ National Action Plan for Health Security. Ensure the country has accessible contingency funds for immediate response to emergencies, including, outbreaks at national and other appropriate sites.10. Identify WHO response team staffing needs, coordinate the mobilization of the required human resources and capacity building. Provide guidance, and performance management of staff in theEPR team and experts and take concrete measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all WHO responders. 11. Represent WHO to counterparts in external stakeholders, including donors and partners, with respect to the country operations. 12. Monitor WHO's health response and operational readiness activities, and adjust if new needs arise and/or the situation changes requiring a revision of the operational plan13. Performall other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in public health or public health-related discipline from an accredited/recognized institute. (Masters level or above) or a Medical degree.

Desirable: Specialized training in epidemiology and/or disaster management. Specialized training in emergency/humanitarian response.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of international and national professional experience in planning, developing and implementing health security, emergency response, surveillance, disease control, and/or public health programmes. Relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness for and response to health emergencies, including those most relevant to coordination of health policy and action in health emergencies. Relevant experience in the implementation of International Health Regulations (2005).

Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.Experience in developing countries.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of the rapid response operations and their implementation in emergencies as related to public health, complemented by demonstrated ability to identify and manage difficult situations, to lead and direct multidisciplinary and multinational staff.Excellent skills in the assessment, monitoring, analysis and evaluation of emergency situations, with the ability to conceptualize and implement innovative strategies and advocate their implementation.Authoritative and comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques in international emergency incident management system.Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to quickly comprehend strategic and tactical objectives and to formulate comprehensive plans to address challenges/risks. * Thorough knowledge of International Health Regulations (2005), the epidemiology of infectious diseases and other global health security threats, and of issues and practices for disease prevention and control. Proven ability to coordinate and manage projects, build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies. Sound tactical thinking and critical analysis with the ability to formulate clear comprehensive strategies and plans. Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure and with minimal supervision.

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5. Ensuring the effective use of resources
6. Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.