JOB DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (The 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. CPI objectives include the monitoring and evaluation of countries’ preparedness for health and humanitarian emergencies, the planning and country capacity building for IHR core capacities and all-hazard emergency preparedness, advancing operational readiness, and acting as the Secretariat of the International Health Regulations (2005). CPI has an all-hazards approach and involves all three levels of the Organization. CPI prioritizes support to the most vulnerable and low capacity countries. The intersectoral nature of emergency preparedness entails extensive collaboration and coordination with other WHO units/departments, a large partnership with other international organizations and the consideration of several global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, emergencies and disasters, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, One Health, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework, the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS Pathway), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Strategy (IDSR), and the regional strategies for disaster risk management. CPI coordinates its activities with international and national initiatives such as the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030.

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DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Contribute to WHO’s organization-wide work in the development, implementation and oversight of relevant policies, strategies, programmes of work, and annual work-plans in health emergency preparedness & International Health Regulation including the development and implementation of readiness action plans.
2. Lead and coordinate EMRO’s technical and operational support to WHO country offices in the management of all-hazards health emergency risks, capacity building in relation to points of entry, transport systems, and mass gathering.  Leads and coordinates efforts for overall community preparedness and resilience in relation to identified risks and vulnerabilities.
3. Provide technical expertise and oversee the work activities of the CPI team in maintaining and disseminating technical guidelines and other knowledge products for the monitoring and evaluation of countries’ preparedness for health and humanitarian emergencies, the planning and country capacity building for critical capacities.
4. Lead, oversee and coordinate WHO’s work and country support related to the strengthening of country-level of health emergency preparedness and implementation of and compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005).  Leverage technical capacities of other WHE Units and EMRO Technical Departments on areas such as surveillance, laboratory science, case management, One Health, zoonoses, etc.
5. Lead the identification and implementation of innovative approaches for establishing evidence-based policies and strategies to strengthen the national capacities necessary to mitigate and respond to emergency risks and vulnerabilities.
6. Contribute to the advancement of all-hazards emergency management capacities of Member States, including effectively managed public health emergency operations centres (PHEOCs) and the development and advancement of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs).
7. Ensure close collaborative working arrangements with other technical units and departments in regional and headquarters’ offices to develop context specific approaches.
8. Build strategic partnerships and networks throughout the region, represent WHO and its positions in negotiations in relevant interagency and international fora involved promoting health emergency preparedness, the International Health Regulations (2005), and the One Health approach.
9. Promote and enhance ongoing coordination with all relevant stakeholders and provide advice on implementation and operational issues.
10. Provide high quality technical inputs and guidance to support the development of critical core capacities for global health security including providing training and support to high vulnerable countries to develop critical core capacities.
11. Act for the Regional Emergency Director in his/her absence, as requested.
12. Ensure that WHO’s Code of Ethics and the WHO Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct are consistently observed in all of CPI’s work, including in support of country programmes.
13. Perform Other tasks as agreed with supervisor.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in a health related field, management, emergency, humanitarian disaster management, or in public health or related field.

Desirable: Specialized training in epidemiology or infectious diseases.  Specialized training in emergency/humanitarian preparedness and response. Training in leadership or management.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 15 years of international and national professional experience in planning, developing and implementing health security, emergency, surveillance, disease control and/or public health programmes, including at least 5 years of management experience in recognized leadership positions with direct responsibility for managing both human and financial resources. 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.

Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO and/or other UN agencies; experience working in relevant nongovernmental or humanitarian organizations. Field experience in public health programmes or emergency response programmes in developing countries.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and team management skills in international and multicultural settings, including the proven capacity to lead and deliver on deadlines during periods of intense stress and activity.
• Demonstrated ability to provide independent leadership in such periods with capacity to organize, monitor and synthesize information quickly and concisely.
• Proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects, and build partnerships, across agencies and organizational departments in the context of health emergencies.
• Thorough knowledge of the 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.
• Demonstrated expertise in all-hazard emergency preparedness and operational readiness.
• Proven ability to convene and coordinate experts from across other public health disciplines and sectors to achieve common objectives.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing public health strategies in overall community preparedness and resilience in relation to identified risks and vulnerabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal with proven ability to communicate in a clear and effective way, with tact, diplomacy and courtesy

WHO COMPETENCIES

1. Teamwork*
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences*
3. Communication*
4. Ensuring the effective use of resources
5. Moving forward in a changing environment
6. Creating an empowering and motivating environment

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of French or another WHO language would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 106,023 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3137 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• 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.

https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• 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 shws@who.int.
• 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.
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