DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.
• 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.
• 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 relevant 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.