World Health Organization (WHO)
Emergency Preparedness & Response Officer – (2402938)
Grade: NO-C
Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 2 years
Job Posting
: Apr 8, 2024, 10:12:29 AM
Closing Date
: Apr 22, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Primary Location
: Zambia
Organization
: AF_ZMB Zambia
Schedule
: Full-time
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies 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
Work in coordination with all technical focal points at the regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office. Provide technical assistance to national authorities in, and coordinate selected 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 & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management. Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and support the development/revision of 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 (2005), 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. Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: A first degree in a relevant medical field includingmedicine, public health, environmental health, nursing, clinical medicine or another medical fieldAn advanced university degree in epidemiology, public health or another relevant field.
Desirable: Specialized training in emergency/humanitarian response. Post-graduate degree in epidemiology, public health or a public health-related discipline from an accredited/recognized institute
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 response activitiesin a developing country and/or at regional level; strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks) at the national levelExperience 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
Skills
Knowledge of the principles and programmes of emergency preparedness and response Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR) Knowledge of the global frameworks for disaster risk reduction The development and coordination of health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with a range of actors. Technical knowledge and skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems. Excellent oral and writing skills for reports, oral presentations and technical documents. Excellent skills in data analysis and communicating results
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at ZMW 1,051,479 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
- The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
- The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
- Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
- This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
- In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates
Purpose of the Post:
The incumbent will provide technical assistance to the health authorities and other relevant stakeholders, supporting WHO programmes on emergency preparedness and response and so strengthening national core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview 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.
Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.; available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization):
Reporting to the WHO Emergency Preparedness & Response (EPR) Lead and under the leadership of the WHO Country Representative, the incumbent will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of country strategies required throughout the full cycle of the emergency. The incumbent is expected to adapt or modify relevant WHO guidelines to meet particular requirements or changing circumstances in close coordination with the respective Regional Office and HQ. S/he will engage with the local authorities, UN partners and non-health actors to establish partnerships in respect of multi-dimensional CPI activities.
Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):
In particular, the incumbent will:
1. Work in coordination with all technical focal points at the regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office.
2. Provide technical assistance to national authorities in, and coordinate selected 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.
3. Technically support the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations, risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management.
4. Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 (2005), including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions.
8. 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.
9. Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.
Competencies (Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required – See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones – identify a minimum of three and a maximum of five competencies):
1. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Functional Skills and Knowledge (Describe skills and knowledge specific to the post):
• Knowledge of the principles and programmes of emergency preparedness and response
• Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR)
• Knowledge of the global frameworks for disaster risk reduction
• The development and coordination of health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with a range of actors.
• Technical knowledge and skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.
• Excellent oral and writing skills, including for reports, oral presentations and technical documents.
• Excellent skills in data analysis and communicating results
Education (Qualifications):
Essential: An advanced university degree in epidemiology, public health or another relevant field.
A first degree in a relevant medical field including medicine, public health, environmental health, nursing, clinical medicine or another medical field.
Desirable: Specialized training in emergency/humanitarian response. Post-graduate degree in epidemiology, public health or a public health-related discipline from an accredited/recognized institute.
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 response activities in a developing country and/or at regional level; strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks) at the national level.
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.
Languages:
Essential: Excellent knowledge of the local language. Working knowledge of English
Desirable: Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.
Other Skills (e.g. IT):
Knowledge of office software applications.
Knowledge of at least one data analysis software applications