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.

●        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).

●        Provide guidance, participatory leadership, management, and coordination of the following: o 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;

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

o       Technical assistance for joint support missions to field operations;

o    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;

o        Data management, Information sharing, monitoring, and reporting through the Information Management strategy and functional mechanism;

o        Advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

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

●        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 (10) 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 coordination of health programmes in chronic or acute, sudden-onset emergencies in national and international settings.

Skills

● Mastery of rapid-response operations in public health, within emergency contexts.
● In depth knowledge of the theory, principles, methods, and techniques of the international emergency incident management system.
● 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.
● Models and maintains calm disposition in crisis situations.

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: Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements