Consultant - Incident Manager (Country Office Assignment - 4 positions)

Contract

This is a Multiple grade levels contract. More about Multiple grade levels contracts.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS) at the country level, the incumbent will have overall responsibility in the coordination of planning, management, adaptation and implementation of strategies and work plans for the COVID-19 pandemic, including deciding on the ordering and the release of resources. The incumbent will manage the operational and technical components, establish clear lines of communications, ensure proper documentation of the incident, including the provision of situation reports and action plans.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Regional Emergency Director, WHE and WHO Country Representative, the consultant will be responsible for delivering the following duties:

• Overall coordination of Incident Management Team (IMT) at the country level, assess and reassess the emergency, determine strategies, set objectives appropriate to the level of the required response, ensuring fulfilment of WHO’s critical functions.
• Work with the country office and under the leadership of the WHO Country Representative, to identify sustainable mechanisms using system strengthening for protracted continuation of the COVID-19 response.
• Ensure the implementation of the IMT, ensuring synergies and smooth functioning between the operational and technical components, oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the operations, take corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide guidance to the respective pillars with respect to emergency preparedness, response and recovery; ensure the participation in the joint risk assessment process of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Coordinate overall incident health related activities to ensure the concerted approach of WHO in all required functional areas as per incident management structure.
• Support senior management, country office and partner with UN agencies, international, governmental and nongovernmental organizations/institutions, in respect of the mobilization and coordination of resources, identify needs and funding gaps; encourage donors to fund the overall health sector response to affected populations.
• In cooperation with other levels of response authorize the release of related information, communications, advocacy products and statements to internal and external partners as well as to the public. Provide information to/briefing of senior management as required and manage sensitive issues.
• Provide information to/briefing of senior management as required and manage sensitive issues.
• Determines staffing needs, ensures deployment arrangements and the mobilization of the required human resources.
• Provide leadership, motivation, guidance, and performance management of staff and experts, build dynamic and efficient teams to bolster WHO’s incident management operations, take concrete measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all WHO responders.
• Perform any other related incident-specific duties, as required by the Country Representative, Regional Emergency Director and Regional Office management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in medicine, public health, epidemiology, tropical medicine, business management, health systems/services or related field. Desirable: Specialized training in epidemiology, emergency and outbreak management, disaster preparedness or humanitarian response. Training in leadership or management. Training in project management.

Experience

Essential: Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in health operations, with proven experience in managing acute outbreaks and health emergencies. Related experience in managing human and financial resources. Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO and/or the UN system in the areas of outbreak response and/or humanitarian interventions; field experience in public health programmes or emergency response programmes in developing countries Related experience in development and implementation of strategies and action plans within WHO and/or UN agencies.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in international and multicultural settings. Proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects. Ability to build partnerships with multiple multidisciplinary and multisector partners in the context of health emergencies. Excellent communication skills. Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills. Ability to lead and work with limited supervision. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Language requirements: Excellent written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN language is an advantage.