OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. The Emergency Operations program area (EMO) uses established internal and external frameworks to strengthen the response capabilities, supply chains, partnerships and standards that need to be in place before, during and after a health emergency. This involves establishing regional standards for response, platforms for coordination, and operational support mechanisms, upon which timely and appropriate emergency operations can be deployed, leveraging relevant national and international capacities. It also involves developing and deploying internal and external expertise for acute and protracted emergency management, as well as for the scale down and recovery from emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), the incumbent will lead WHO’s health information management pillar and team. The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Develop and implement a regional strategy for Emergency Response Health Information Management based on a collaborative and integrative approach to public health intelligence, health situation analysis, and health information management.
2. Lead WHO/Europe’s work to enhance country Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS), providing technical support to countries wishing to increase data readiness for all hazards. Develop and improve information management procedures at the country and regional levels to ensure that information management in the field provides the best possible functionality and usability to stakeholders.
3. Oversee and design field epidemiological or health service availability surveys (including HeRAMS) if/where needed, with support to other technical teams as required. Lead support to country teams in conducting health needs assessments or surveys during emergencies (including, household, community, or health facility levels) and lead WHO contributions to multi-sector needs assessment surveys for health as defined in the WHO ERF and the IASC guidelines.
4. Manage the timely and high-quality collection, analysis, production and dissemination of health assessments, health data/information during complex emergencies. This includes response specific information (what, where, who, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, rapid needs assessments, and the Public Health Situation Analysis; and health inputs into humanitarian needs overviews (HNO), and strategic response plans (SRP).
5. Build the capacity of country and regional teams involved in the planning and data/information management process; provide ongoing technical guidance and training on data gathering and analysis, quality assurance, performance monitoring, information dissemination and management. Support health sector/cluster data management teams, as well as support to inter-cluster coordination.
6. Lead the development and implementation of projects based on the overall strategy and plan, for use by the emergency leadership to mobilize resources.
7. Promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation, including multidisciplinary and cross-cutting approaches to preparing for and managing emergency operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in Information Management, Public Health, or Epidemiology, complemented by training in information management from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Specialization in information management systems. Specific training in humanitarian response or information management in emergencies.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of related experience in information management, monitoring, needs assessment, project management, data management and information dissemination in the public health sector or health development sector, at national and international levels, part of which in emergency management or humanitarian context in leadership positions. Experience in developing and promoting collaborative partnerships.
Desirable: Prior emergency experience with WHO, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, other UN agencies or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in operational support responses to epidemics and other public health emergencies and information management at country level. Advanced ability to design, manage, analyze and coordinate complex health information system projects, computer-based applications and databases, web-based tools. High level analytical skills. Knowledge of humanitarian architectures, functioning of WHO and the UN system is an asset.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Official UN language.

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, and currently amounts to USD 5355 per month for the duty station indicated above. 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 [email protected]

• 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 [email protected].

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