National Professional Officer (Country Health Emergency Preparedness & IHR)

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,558 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

All the Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity as outlined in the General Programme of Work (GPW).

The 13th GPW defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritizing impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.

WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.

The European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out.

The WHO Country Office supports the Member State to shape its health policy in line with WHO’s principles and values and advocates for an integrated approach to health development. By means of a single, unified and functionally integrated country representation, WHO facilitates the implementation of the BCA with the Member State and its corresponding country work plan. WHO helps the country to improve its health system and provides technical support as necessary.

The Mission of the WHO 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.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the leadership of Head of WHO Country Office and the overall guidance of Programme Area Manager CPI, the incumbent is assigned the following responsibilities:

1. Support the implementation of WHO activities in the area of Country Health Emergency Preparedness & IHR including providing support to the Ministry of Health and other sectors in activities which include:

• developing/updating national emergency preparedness and response plans;

• provision of assistance in risk assessments, and critical core capacities for all-hazard health emergencies;

• supporting the monitoring, evaluation and objective assessment of country core capacities, ensuring the implementation of the International Health Regulations.

2. Under close technical guidance and supervision of the respective WHE unit,to provide technical assistance at country level on priority issues such as: emergency preparedness, surveillance and response; strengthening health systems, operational readiness and essential public health functions.

3. Act as first-line emergency responder in case of a country emergency in line with the ERF II and support the Incident Management team in the country in case of a graded emergency. Support UN emergency teams, Where relevant and in close collaboration with the Regional Office, support the provision of data and information required for any WHE-related documents to be presented to WHO Governing bodies, for the work and deliberation of an IHR Emergency Committee or an IHR Review Committee or a technical consultation.

4. Assist and contribute to promoting partnerships in the country with relevant health stakeholders, to ensure the successful implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacities in line with IHR (2005) requirements, as well as the identification of financing for WHE country plans.

5. Link with institutions, associations and non-governmental agencies and scientific bodies, for exchange of information, coordination of activities and implementation of sector wide approaches.

6. Assist in preparations of missions to the country and support consultants in country.

7. Assist the Head of WHO Country Office in all managerial, administrative and liaison activities with the Regional Office and support the effective implementation of all WHO activities in the country as elaborated in the BCA, CCS or other WHO action plans.Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping. Support other WHE programme areas, as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, a health-related field or public health-related discipline. Desirable: Master or postgraduate training in Public Health or other relevant areas. Specialized training in emergency/disaster preparedness and response.

Experience

Essential: Minimum two years of national professional experience in planning, developing and implementing programmes/projects in the area of health security, including emergency preparedness. Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations. Relevant experience in the implementation of International Health Regulations (2005).

Skills

--> Knowledge of 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 organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure.Knowledge of the UN and humanitarian systems for emergency response and preparedness.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Moving forward in a changing environment Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Local language.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 29,624 (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 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.

• 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.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• 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.