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Purpose of the Post:
The incumbent will assist in the coordination of WHO programmes on epidemic and emergency preparedness and response and ensure the provision of technical assistance to the health authorities and other relevant stakeholders so as to strengthen national preparedness, response, and core capacities under International Health Regulation (IHR 2005), for emerging infectious diseases. This will contribute to the mission of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE), which is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. WHO provides guidance and technical support in organizing the humanitarian health response following multi-hazard emergencies and in revitalizing the capacity of the health sector to rebuild and recover from multi-hazard emergencies in an appropriate and sustainable manner.
Objectives of the Programme and of the Division:
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinator international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies.
The WHO country office works with the National Authorities to achieve the highest standard of health as a fundamental human right, based on equity and on SDGs principle of leaving no one behind. WHO actions are engrained in the WHO 13th General Programme of Work with its 3 prong objectives of promoting healthier populations, keeping the world safe through addressing health emergencies, and protecting the vulnerable through Universal Health Coverage. WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing Global Health leadership; (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 WHO Country Office is an integral part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Its main role is to facilitate and coordinate all WHO activities at country level and to implement the European Programme of Work 2020–2025 –“United Action for Better Health in Europe” which sets out a vision of how the WHO Regional Office for Europe can better support countries in meeting citizens’ expectations about health
WHO at country level delivers this through practical, actionable, and country focused solutions to health challenges, keeping in perspective that achieving health and well-being is a whole-of-society endeavour; This is done through facilitating the implementation of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement with the country and its corresponding workplan. The WHO Country Office maintains good working relations and ensures information exchange between the country and WHO, policy and strategic guidance on Health issues to all national and international partners in the country, provision of direct technical expertise when needed and aims at more community engagement and participation, and to promote health equity
Key duties:
Work in coordination with all technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office.
Provide technical assistance to national authorities and to the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards.
Technically support the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of Emergency Risk Management, Country Preparedness and International Health Regulations, Risk & Situation Assessments, and Infectious Hazards Management.
Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan.
Technically support the preparation of a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs.
Contribute to the coordination of the identification of resource needs and funding gaps for health sector risk reduction, preparedness and response for vulnerable / affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors.
Support the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and the planning and implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005) including to manage identified risks; effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions.
Support the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services.
Contribute to the knowledge capture from policy, strategic and field interventions, and ensure its dissemination.
Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and
Educational Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field (such as medicine, epidemiology or public health).
Desirable: Training in applied epidemiology.
Experience/
Essential: A minimum of two years of work experience relevant to the position (in public health, preferably in
epidemic or emergency preparedness and response activities in a developing country), at the national level. Experience in working partnerships for health policy and strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, or recovery especially in a developing country setting.
Desirable: Experience in activities to strengthen country capacities and response to health emergencies and
disasters. Knowledge of WHO mandate and goals and/or experience with United Nations funds and programmes
Language Skills :
Competencies:
Functional Knowledge and Skills:
The principles and programmes of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response
Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR)
Knowledge and skills to contribute to health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response and recovery with a range of actors.
Planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.
Excellent oral and writing skills, including for reports, oral presentations, and technical documents.
Proficiency in computers and office software packages, handling of web-based management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and Cloud Management Enterprise System such as Workday.
Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at BGN 53,842.94 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.