Programme Area Manager (International Health Regulations (IHR) and Health Security Policy), P5

Position description

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:

• 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.
• Develops and proposes technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Headquarters and Country Offices.
• Oversees a unit specialized in various domains within the area of expertise and facilitates the efficient flow of team synergies.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Serves as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
• 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.
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for IHR and health security.
• Oversee the Roster of Experts, the database of the National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), including development of guidance for the NFPs.
• 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.

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

• 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

Application instructions

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