JOB DESCRIPTION
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QUALIFICATIONS
Purpose of the Post:
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the incumbent will support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the health expertise and operations. This includes dissemination of risk communication messages, the strengthening of early warning and surveillance systems, the delivery of quality health services and the undertaking of operational and scientific research to improve interventions. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations when required.
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The Programme supports countries and coordinates 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):
The incumbent, Health Operations Officer, will report directly to Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer with overall guidance from the EPR Team Lead and under the leadership of the Head of WHO Country Office. S/he will work in close coordination with various Incident management Teams (IMS) and EPR team to support WHO health programmes in response to outbreaks and health emergencies with front line responsibilities of Health Operations support. S/he will ensure the technical pertinence and scientific soundness of the operations.
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Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):
1. Ensure rapid, effective and efficient operational support to new and ongoing health emergencies for all newly notified graded acute health emergencies and ongoing protracted emergencies
2. Provide technical support for health operations especially health operations and logistics, infection prevention and control, and clinical management capacities for various events
3. Provide technical support to WHO health programmes in response to outbreaks and health emergencies.
4. Provide technical support to WHO, FMoH, EPHI and RHBs in establishing and sustaining IMS for new and ongoing operations
5. Provide operational readiness support in the development of integrated approaches for operational readiness to major health events
6. Support development and maintenance of internal and external surge roaster and provide surge support and management to the WCO and government in strengthening their capacities for timely and effective outbreak and emergency response support
7. Support national capacity strengthening to enhance health emergency response and coordination at all levels
8. Work with partners and facilitate the implementation of WHO’s most effective prevention, control and response measures
9. Conduct training needs assessment / identification, gap mapping of country and regional capacities, assessment and updating of inventory for emergency management
10. Performance monitoring and follow up and reporting of new and ongoing events.
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11. Promote and monitor the application of standards and best practices in line with WHO guidelines during health emergencies
12. Liaise, collaborate and maintain regular working relationships with concerned technical units/departments in the FMOH, EPHI donor agencies and other stakeholders (UN and non-UN) with a view to facilitating the implementation of health emergency preparedness and response
13. Provide technical support to national and state authorities in the development of Response Plans and implementation of activities related to health emergencies
14. Support data collection and documentation, including technical and administrative reports of health emergencies at all levels and ensure regular dissemination to all partners and stakeholders
15. Provide technical support to government and communities for assessment, surveillance, monitoring, prevention and control of communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies.
16. Support mobilization of resources for implementation of humanitarian response plans.
17. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
RECRUITMENT PROFILE
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) Building and promoting partnerships across WHO and beyond.
2) Moving forward in a changing environment
3) Ensuring effective use of resources
4) Fostering integration and teamwork
5) Communicating in a credible and effective way
Functional Skills and Knowledge (Describe skills and knowledge specific to the post): Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position
• Basic knowledge of emergency preparedness and response,
• Demonstrated skills in and 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.
• Ability to lead policy level dialogue, advocacy and partnerships on health emergency preparedness and response
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of public health and health emergency management
• Demonstrated innovative, analytical and problem- solving skills; coordination, monitoring and evaluation skills.
Education (Qualifications):
Essential: University degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology, tropical medicine, from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Specialized training in emergency management; specific training in humanitarian response.
Experience:
Essential: At least Five years working experience in Health emergency preparedness and response or health operations with proven experience in managing outbreaks and health emergencies.
Desirable: Relevant work experience in outbreaks and/or health emergency management. Related experience in development and implementation of strategies and action plans within WHO and/or UN agencies. Experience working in relevant non-governmental, health cluster partners or humanitarian organizations.
Languages:
Essential: Excellent knowledge of English.
Desirable: Knowledge of the local language(s)