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.

The objectives of the IHR & Health Security Policy unit include the monitoring and evaluation of countries’ preparedness to health and humanitarian emergencies, the planning for country capacity building for critical capacities required to strengthen health security involving an all-hazards approach. The Unit follows up on the recommendations and reports on the implementation of the IHR (2005) and provides support to WHO and States Parties and particularly to the IHR National Focal Point with regards to IHR implementation and compliance. The Unit ensures that the IHR databases of experts (including the IHR Roster and the database of National IHR Focal Points), and other relevant information are maintained and updated, and that appropriate working groups are functional.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

1. Provides technical leadership and managerial support within the Department/Programme, in the area of IHR & Health Security Policy ensuring that activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively. 
2. Develops and proposes technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Headquarters and Country Offices. 
3. Oversees a unit specialized in various domains within the area of expertise and facilitates the efficient flow of team synergies. 
4. Manages the programme area in delivering its objectives through fundraising, efficient management of a team of technical staff, financial resources and effective work planning to optimize the programme’s deliverables in line with the mandate of the Organization. 
5. Leads and conducts research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building in the respective area of work. 
6. Manages the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the subject area of work of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables. 
7. Serves as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise. 
8. Liaises with and utilizes partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions in the area of IHR to position the technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies. 
9. Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for IHR and health security. 
10. Oversee the Roster of Experts, the database of the National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), including development of guidance for the NFPs. 
11. Perform all other related duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, law or international relations.

Desirable: Doctorate level qualification in public health, health policy, health planning, international relations or law.
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 10 years of experience including relevant international experience in the management of  International Health Regulations (IHR), systems and capacities, including experience in the area of health policies and strategies. Demonstrated experience in supporting IHR implementation in developing countries including on IHR monitoring. Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.

Desirable: Experience in public health planning, development or management, implementation and coordination. Experience of work in WHO, the UN or in other international or multinational organizations.

Skills

• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health strategy or /disease control programmes. 
• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies. 
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources. 
• Good skills in mobilizing resources. 
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders. 
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health subject area.  
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the IHR (2005) framework and experience developing strategies for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of IHR core competencies and health security systems and policies; 
• Expertise in reviewing and contributing to the development of training and information materials  
• Capacity to conceptualize together with a proven ability to communicate and write technical documents in a clear and concise manner. 
• Broad knowledge of the principles of the IHR (2005) and public health emergency management. 
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, work under pressure and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. 

WHO Competencies

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

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing Results
Building and promoting partnership across the Organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

• Excellent written and spoken English is essential
• Working knowledge of other UN language is an advantage

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.
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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