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This is a Fast Track Recruitment

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

WHE brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. WHE is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.

Emergency Operations (EMO) within the WHE is responsible for ensuring that emergency-affected populations have access to timely and effective health services. This includes ensuring a strong emergency management system (based on incident management), effective and inclusive coordination mechanisms, joint assessments and planning by partners, implementation of operations and services according to agreed standards, and strong logistics and operational support. The expansion and strengthening of operational partnerships is a key priority. EMO also leads on humanitarian policy and guidance, as well as representation to key interagency bodies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

1. Provide technical leadership and authoritative advice on all aspects of the development and operations of GOARN, in line with the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework, including annual work plan development, management of activities, and monitoring and evaluation of results and assist in resource mobilization for the regional development and operations, including facilitating and preparing individuals for deployment with GOARN during outbreaks in the Western Pacific and South East Asia Regions.

2.

Coordinate and manage strong working relationship between member states, WHE, GOARN, WHO South East Asia and Western Pacific Regional Offices (SEARO and WPRO) and WHO Headquarters, including a specific focus on Pacific Island Countries.

3. Lead and coordinate regional operational partnerships including the organization of regional and inter-regional meetings to review regional infectious disease risk, particularly emerging diseases, and response capacities and capabilities and to document and analyse response operations as part of Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework.

4.

Manage and lead activities to expand GOARN, strengthen coordination of technical networks and disciplines, (including laboratory support and infection prevention and control & clinical management) in alert and risk assessment, and foster collaboration with Global Health Cluster, Emergency Medical Teams, standby partners and other regional and inter-regional operational partnerships, to support the development and coordination of regional rapid response capacity, and response research.

5. Provide leadership and support the incident management system in major outbreaks/health emergencies, ensure the integration of GOARN in regional and country offices readiness and response activities, and engage GOARN partners to provide high-level technical support to countries in the Region.

6. Lead the planning and implementation of health emergency workforce training and capacity building activities to strengthen regional and bi-regional coordination and deployment of GOARN to support alert and response capacities of countries within the South East Asia and Western Pacific Regions and globally.

7. Lead and conduct research on best practices in implementing GOARN programmes and activities, including capacity building.

8. Upon request, lead and/or participate in acute outbreak investigations and emergency response to provide assistance to Member States and WHO country offices as needed/requested and assist and coordinate GOARN partners in country operations.

9. Provide regular technical updates and reports to senior management on key developments, contribute to the development and review of information products, including senior management briefings, technical reports and other documentation and communication materials related to the above work.

10. Liaise with and utilizes partnerships in other UN agencies, donor, or research institutions in the areas of health emergency workforce planning and preparedness to advocate and position GOARN into implementation of global, regional and/or national policies.

11. Act as IHR duty officer and participate in the on-call duty roster.

12. Perform other related duties, as requested, including provision of support to other areas of work and teams or program areas within the WHE, including replacing and backstopping colleagues as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level (master’s or equivalent) university degree in public health or related discipline from a recognized university.

Desirable: A PhD in public health or health related discipline or specialized training in public health, emergency and outbreak management, disaster preparedness or humanitarian response. Training in leadership or management.
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/ . 

Experience

Essential: Minimum of ten years’ relevant work experience at national and international level in the field of infectious diseases, outbreaks, and emerging diseases and other public health emergencies. Leadership and managerial experience, with experience in coordinating large scale public health projects in developing countries.

Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO and/or the UN system, including at Regional and Country levels, in the areas of outbreak response and/or humanitarian interventions. Field experience in public health programmes or emergency response in developing countries.

Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in international and multicultural settings combined with proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects, and build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies; 
• Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health; 
• Health planning at operational, subnational, and national levels, with political and technical elements; 
• Capacity-building through multiple methods, including training, mentoring and example setting; 
• Superior organizational skills with ability to multitask and produce results under pressure; 
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct; 
• Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven ability to communicate in a clear and effective way including through discussions, reports, briefing notes, project proposals, and powerpoint presentations. 
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy and courtesy to improve internal and external relationships and lead to more successful outcomes. 

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Driving the organization to a successful future
Building and promoting partnership across the Organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

• Excellent knowledge of English (speaking, writing and reading) 
• Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset

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. 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.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line. For assessment of your application, please ensure that – your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated;
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements