OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of Emergency Preparedness and Response cluster in AFRO is to build the capacity of Member States to enhance IHR and emergency preparedness capacities to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and other emergencies, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Coordinate the regional office’ support to member states for the assessment of International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities and adopt and adapt strategies, norms and standards to strengthen IHR implementation including emergency preparedness, Ensure 24/7 accessibility for support to Member states on notification for potential public health events of international concern Lead the development of regional guidelines and tools for adaptation and implementation at country level Support global processes on IHR amendment and the WHO convention agreement and provide support for Member States participation in these processes. In collaboration with the IHR MEF team, support the state party annual reporting (SPAR) and advocate for the use of the SPAR data to guide decision making at both national and regional levels. Build capacity of the IHR national focal points and IHR regional experts to effectively deliver their mandate as required by IHR (2005)In collaboration with HQ, ensure availability of up-to-date contact information for IHR national focal points and ensure they have access to both event information site EIS and e-SPAR platforms. Promote the use event information site (EIS) by IHR NFPs for monitoring of public health events that are occurring globally and use of the information to strengthen preparedness to reduce the risk of international spread of diseases. Provide support for IHR roster of experts, IHR Review Committee and IHR emergency committee and coordinate follow-up of implementation of Temporary Recommendations in collaboration with relevant technical teams. Support the strategic and operational planning of the WHOAFRO biennial work plan and its implementation and reporting including contribution to the RD’s report. Provide technical support to Member States for capacity building for IHR at the Points of Entry in collaboration with Readiness Team; Provide support for implementation of international travel related measures including travel advice during Public Health Emergency of International concern in collaboration with HQ. Support quarterly monitoring of IHR Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and provide feedback to countries on progress of their capacity strengthening. Strengthen partnership on IHR implementation and support resource mobilization for this area of work. Any other duties assigned by supervisors

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Medical degree with Masters’ in public Health from an accredited university.
Desirable: Specialized training in health emergency preparedness, IHR and response.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years’ experience coordinating capacity strengthening for IHR and health emergency preparedness.
Desirable: Experience with intergovernmental agencies, the UN System or WHO and knowledge of national and regional partnerships and networks.

Skills

Demonstrated expertise in International Health Regulations, Risk assessment, emergency preparedness and response. Proven ability to write technical and scientific reports and to deliver oral presentations; Strong communication skills with ability to develop innovative concepts in clear and concise manner; Demonstrated interpersonal and negotiating skills with ability to promote consensus and develop effective work practices, ethics; Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relations in an international environment with colleagues within and outside WHO of different national and cultural backgrounds and to work under pressure; Diplomacy tact and courtesy.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 77,326 (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 3570 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.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to 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.

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