OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objectives of WHO’s health emergency programme are to design and implement programmes that prepare the health cluster to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. Within the framework of the United Nations Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and cluster approach, the WHO Health Emergencies programme ensures that WHO’s critical functions, as outlined in the Emergency Response Framework (ERF), are fulfilled. The Health Cluster Coordinator (P5) leads an effective and coordinated health-sector response with the national and international community, focusing on vulnerable and marginalized populations. The Health Cluster Coordinator oversees the health needs’ assessment and health-response, strategy development, implementation and monitoring including of the joint incident management system. The position contributes to relieving suffering and saving lives in humanitarian emergencies, while advancing the well-being and dignity of affected populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

1. Lead an effective and coordinated, national, health-sector response with the national and international community, focusing on vulnerable and marginalized populations (under the supervision of the Head of the WHO country office and within the framework of the United Nations Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and cluster approach).
2. Provide guidance, participatory leadership, management, and coordination of the following:

a. Planning, monitoring, quality assurance, and reporting on health service delivery and the related components of the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and contingency planning for potential new events

b. The synergy of the above with national plans, their mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues, and compliance with WHO norms, standards, and protocols

c. Technical assistance for joint support missions to field operations

d. Guidance in national (health system) capacity building for emergency preparedness and response in accordance with the IASC Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) Approach and other related guidance

e. Data management, Information sharing, monitoring, and reporting through the Information Management strategy and functional mechanism

f. Advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

3. Lead the country office’s data management strategies and operations.

4. Coordinate and work closely with the country office’s health information management teams and focal points.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in epidemiology, public health, medical or other studies in a field directly related to the position.
Desirable: Specialized training in emergency management and/or international aid, humanitarian, health system recovery and health cluster coordination.

Experience

Essential: A Minimum of ten years of work experience relevant to the position (in developing and promoting collaborative partnerships in emergency and humanitarian relief operations) a significant part of this to have been obtained at an international level. A minimum of three years’ in management and coordinator of health programme in chronic or acute, sudden-onset emergencies in national and international settings.
Desirable: At least 5 years of relevant work experience with WHO and/or UN Agencies, working with health cluster partners; and experience of working with relevant nongovernmental or humanitarian organizations or health academia/health research.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of emergency relief policies and practices within the United Nations, its specialized agencies, donor agencies, national and international nongovernmental organizations. Political astuteness, and ability to promote consensus, lead negotiations, network and build partnerships within the context of WHOs global emergency response and other competing mandates. Excellent skills in the assessment of emergency situations, and the formulation of comprehensive plans to address challenges/risks, using strong strategic thinking. Skills to facilitate a policy process among diverse partners, including United Nations, nongovernmental organizations, national health authorities and donors. Demonstrated leadership and coordination skills with the ability to lead, facilitate, and direct multidisciplinary and multinational teams in emergency settings.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

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 92,731 (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 3640 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.

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

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