OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Division of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and 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 WHE Division 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.

The Programme 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.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

. The incumbent will perform the following duties: Manage the operation of the EURO SHOC, including in the development and implementation of operational procedures and structures for managing WHO/EURO response to emergencies.

. Build and Maintain EURO SHOC capabilities, including to manage any assigned staff to the EURO SHOC; building and managing all EOC systems (hardware and software), critical infrastructure, and implementing new staff support tools.

. This function will include liaising with WCOs, other regions, headquarters, and Member States EOC structures as needed.

. Contribute to the development and implementation of operational procedures and structures for efficient managing of response to health emergencies, this involves providing technical advice, building partnerships and liaising with the incident management team, WCOs, other regions, headquarters and Member States EOC structures, as needed.

. Oversee that the EURO SHOC and IMST personnel have access to orientation and training tools to support their effectiveness during an emergency.

. This can include specific trainings on WHO IMS systems, plans, procedures, functions and resources available.

. Contribute to the development of a network of public health emergency operations centers (EOC) in countries including in their establishment and operation of their EOC; elaborate on innovative scenarios and procedures detailing roles and responsibilities together with developing a series of tools, templates, and products in support of the existing structures and procedures.

. This function will include being one of the focal points for EOC_ Network in the WHO European region.

. Play a key role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of simulation exercises, to train for and validate management of emergencies in a proactive manner, including effective liaison within WHO HQ, Regional and Country Offices, as well as national institutions to promote information-sharing.

. Coordinate support to Member States on assessing and enhancing Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS) for Public Health emergency Management (PHEM), including leading assessment missions, providing technical expertise, and facilitating capacity strengthening workshops.

. Proactively participate in operational support responses to emergencies and event management. Act as a resource on emergency operations’ activities for the Regional Emergency Coordinator and Incident Management Support Team, when required.

. 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: Advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in emergency management, public or business administration, health, information management, computer sciences, or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Professional training in emergency management, events management and/or public health. Post-graduate degree or studies in one of the above fields.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of relevant experience, combined at the national and international levels in supporting emergency operations involving applying public health emergency planning and management systems.

Familiarity with WHO ERF and IMS functions, including the role of the EOC/SHOC

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 events management.

. Sound analytical, planning and organizational skills.

. Ability to work under pressure, obtain results while and adhering to tight deadlines.

. Excellent interpersonal skills.

. Tact, diplomacy and courtesy when working in multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

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 WHO languages.

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 4930 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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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 shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements