Technical Officer

The mission of the WHO 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.

Duties:

• The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office:
• Provide technical assistance to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards (including antimicrobial resistance) and in line with the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework.
• Support the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005), including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions.
• Technically support the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations, risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management.
• Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and support the development/revision of national strategies related to health security and public health emergencies, as relevant.
• Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs, as needed.
• Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable/affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors.
• Support the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems through emergency medical teams to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services.
• Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.
• Work in coordination with all technical focal points at the regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office.

Education

Essential:

• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in epidemiology, public health or another medical field including medicine, nursing or pharmacy.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of five years relevant work experience public health emergency preparedness and response, including infectious disease outbreaks.

Skills:

• The principles and programmes of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response
• Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR)
• The development and coordination of health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with a range of actors.
• Technical knowledge and skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.
• Excellent oral and writing skills, including for reports, oral presentations and technical documents.

Language Skills:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of written and spoken English and Lao.