Objectives of the programme

The mission of WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster 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.

The Emergency Preparedness Unit of the EPR Cluster is responsible for identifying gaps in IHR core capacities and strengthening national capacities in preparedness to respond effectively to emergencies while ensuring resilience of health systems during these emergencies. This includes ensuring countries have developed and updated their National Action-Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), risks are identified and anticipated, contigencies and business continuity plans are developed, tools and systems are in place, and human and financial resources for emergencies and resilience are predictable and sustained.

Purpose of the position

In the context of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and within the Emergency Preparedness Programme (EMP), the Technical officer for Health security Planning and Management will serve as the principal focal point to oversee the development of or reviews of National Action-Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), and subsequent Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) and related investment cases for resource mobilization in the WHO African Region. The incumbent will ensure alignment of the NAPHS and broader National Health sector Strategies and Plans, as well as other National Disaster Plans. The incumbent will work with the HQ and across clusters in AFRO to provide high-level technical support to member states, conduct Resource Mapping (REMAP), and use the findings from various assessments such as those from JEE, AAR, and STAR to inform national health security plans and multi-hazards plans. In addition, the incumbent will develop strategies for adapting new initiatives arising from various World Health assembly (WHA) Resolutions such as Urban Preparedness, and Civil-Military Collaborations in Health security.

Description of duties

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Advisor, HSP and oversight by the Emergency Preparedness Manager in AFRO, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

Oversee and support the development and reviews of NAPHS and development of AOPs and their related investment cases for resource mobilization.
Contribute to the development or updating of tools for NAPHS, AOPs, REMAP and costing for health security within WHO member states with support from HQ.
Rollout NAPHS Program management tool and document lessons learned to inform the development of the standard guidelines for managers.
Work with the focal persons responsible for assessments, capacity reviews, and research to generate evidence that will inform updated NAPHS, AOPs and other multi-hazards plans.
Adapt and rollout new global initiatives such as Global Sustainable Preparedness Network (GSPN), Urban Preparedness, and Civil-Military Collaboration in Africa.
Coordinate with Africa CDC and WHO Liaison Office in AU/UNECA joint planning and monitoring of Preparedness Flagship (PROSE) related projects.
Work closely with all EMP Focal persons to develop EMP workplans and monitoring their implementation and reporting.
Work with EMP/PAM to identify potential funding opportunities to support implementation of NAPHS, PROSE and other preparedness priorities.
Provide technical assistance and capacity building support to countries in ensuring effective, timely and accountable risk-informed and evidence-based planning in emergency preparedness.
Prepare and disseminate regular situation reports highlighting relevant operational progress in the implementation of NAPHS and AOPs.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including surge to countries during emergencies or backstopping for other EPR colleagues in the Hub and at regional office as required.

Required qualifications

Educational (Qualifications)

Essential

A medical degree with an Advanced University degree (Master’s level or above) in Public health,
Epidemiology, Health Policy/Planning, Public Heath Emergencies or related fields
Desirable

Specialized training in project management.
Specialized training in public health emergencies.
Experience

Essential

A minimum of 7 years’ combined experience in health systems strengthening and public health emergency programme at national and international level
Desirable

Relevant work experience in WHO or UN agencies
Experience in health security, global health or emergency preparedness
Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of key critical functions of health systems, the international health regulations (2005) and the WHO Emergency Response Framework.
Demonstrated sound knowledge of the landscape and dynamics of health systems in the African region.
Demonstrated sound understanding of the interests and dynamics of partners involved in the health systems strengthening and health emergencies in the African region.
Capacity to conceptualize, organize and critically analyze situations and solve problems.
Sound organizational and planning skills complemented by ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure within short deadlines.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.
WHO Competencies

Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
Communications
Use of Language Skills

Excellent knowledge of English and French required.
Other Skills (e.g., IT)

Very good level of computer literacy
Epidemiological and statistical software
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 77,326 (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 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. 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 E-Manual.
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