Emergency Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and its fragile health system remains in need of critical support. Over the past months, WHO Afghanistan has been delivering health programs for the people of Afghanistan and working closely with partners and donors to reach the most vulnerable and those who have limited access to health services.

WHO Afghanistan is committed to fully leverage the power of strategic communications as a tool for promoting health and informing the public, partners, donors, and the media on WHO’s work in the country. It is also imperative for WHO to proactively communicate about public health issues, gaps in the response and how can partners contribute.

With this in view, this UNV assignment will provide an opportunity for an international specialist to join a team of experts to support risk communication, community engagement and communication response to public health emergencies in the country.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WHO Team Lead or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Emergency Officer will:

1. Provide technical guidance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on the establishment/strengthening of an Emergency Management System /Emergency Operation Centre (IMS/EOC) for multi-sectoral emergency management that includes staffing, defined roles/responsibilities, and resources for key functional areas.

2. Support national and local health authorities, partner with UN agencies, international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations/institutions, to: • Assess and map existing and emerging health risks in the country and prepare a national risk profile based on a risk assessment. • Assess health needs of affected populations in cooperation with technical units at Country Office level as well as RO and HQ as relevant. • Assess regional capacities for emergency management, including preparedness, and support the development of a regional Health Emergency Response Plan. • Review the Regional Health Plan/Regional Health Emergency Response Plan as needed (when these already exist), take additional action, including the development of contingency plans for specific high priority risks. • Mobilize and coordinate resources, oversee the operational and strategic planning of the health response plans, identify resource needs and funding gaps; encourage donors to fund the overall health sector response to affected populations.

3. Coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategies, operational and HR plans for the WHO's emergency information management, Country preparedness and International Health Regulations (2005), risk assessments and Infectious hazard management related activities.

4. In cooperation with other levels of the response, validate the related information, communications, advocacy products and statements before release to internal and external partners as well as to the public.

5. Collaborate with other agencies and I/NGOs, including through the Health Cluster approach and directly as operational implementing partners,

6. Identify WHO response team staffing needs, coordinate the mobilization of the required human resources. Provide guidance, and performance management of staff and experts, take concrete measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all WHO responders.

7. Represent WHO to counterparts in external stakeholders, including donors and partners, with respect to the country operations.

8. Monitor WHO’s health response and operational readiness activities, and adjust if new needs arise and/or the situation changes requiring a revision of the operational plan

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing effective organizational • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment

emergency management and operations, with proven experience in emergency response and outbreak response. Substantial experience at both national and international levels in managing humanitarian program cycle, capacity-building and multi-sectoral coordination. • An advanced university degree in health-related field, management, emergency, humanitarian, disaster management or related field from an accredited/recognized institute. • Substantial experience in efficient human and financial resource management, as well as managing and coordinating field-based projects. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in health emergencies, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Afghanistan is a unique country and WHO is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

The position is based in Kabul. WHO will facilitate accommodation for IUNV within UNOCA.