Urban Health Initiative Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Recalling resolution WHA61.19 (2008) on climate change and health, the WHA resolution 68.8 (2015) on addressing the health impacts of air pollution, and the WHA76.17 (2023) which recognize the link between health, environment and climate change WHO’s Interventions for Healthy Environments (IHE) unit of the department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE) is implementing activities to strengthen the health sector to address the health impact of climate change,respond to air pollution and its sources in different settlements in developing countries as a key measure to prevent air pollution related diseases. The WHO Office in Ghana is recruiting a National Professional Officer (NPO/CHE) Urban Health to support implementation of climate change air pollution and other environmental determinants of health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Technical support:The National Professional Officer will serve as a technical resource to the government and other partners to develop, and implement national programmes to promote key objectives and targets in the identification and management of environmental risk factors to human health, climate change and health.

• Propose national initiatives, policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with national authorities in the areas of environmental health, climate change and health. Support the implementation of multilateral agreements on environment, climate change and health. Undertake situational analysis and needs assessment for addressing health and environment challenges and linkages to ensure adequate technical and strategic support for the country in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of joint national action plans. Provide assistance for various activities, including data collection and literature research, as well as stakeholder engagement and facilitation of activities at the local level. Plan and organize programs for capacity building on environmental and climate health initiatives and other related cross cutting areas in Ghana and in the AFRO region.
• Monitor country specific developments in respect to the assigned programmatic areas covered and conduct reporting to the regional office/ Headquarters so that these findings can be analyzed for strategy development purposes.Liaise with national counterparts, technicaldepartments at HQ, donors, and development partners (UN and bilateral institutions)to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to theprogramme and resolve issues or concerns and seek funding for new projects and initiativesProgramme management and logistical support:Maintain good working relationships with national and local health authorities, different municipalities, local universities, as well as other local implementing partners. Organize and support WHO work for capacity building, meetings and seminars with stakeholders and experts.
• Support the preparation of work plans, budgets for local activities involving stakeholder consultation and field research in close cooperation with WCO team, WHO/AFRO and WHO HQ staff working on the Urban Health climate change and the health impacts of air pollution.
• Monitor project activities and expenses against local project work plan and budget and provide regular updates on progress and results. Act as a local focal point for the gathering, recording and reporting of information and data on the exposure and effects of climate change, air pollution and related policies and interventions.
• Respond to inquiries national or other institutions, and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.Participate in WHO Country Office teamactivities andanyother tasksassigned by the WR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: Minimum education required is a first degree in Public Health, Environmental Health/Science or a closely related field from an accredited/recognized institute
• Desirable: A Post Graduate Degree in Public Health, Environmental Epidemiology or Climate Changerelated would be an asset.

Experience

• Essential: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in managing international development and/or research projects, and a minimum of two years of professional experience in quantitative research in the fields of public health and/or international development
• Desirable: Extensive experience of five (5) or more years in managing international development and/or research projects.Work experience in international development or within a UN agency or international organization would be a strong asset.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2406927