Objective of the programme
The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) 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.
Organizational context
Under the overall guidance of the Hub Team Lead, and the Programme Area Manager, Emergency Preparedness (EMP), the incumbent will ensure the effective rolling out of the partnerships initiatives in the countries covered by the WHE hubs. The incumbent will ensure the effective readiness for a timely and effective management of health emergencies of countries covered by the WHE hubs. The two WHE hubs are located in Dakar and Nairobi. The Dakar hub support western and central African countries, while the hub in Nairobi support the eastern and southern African countries.
Within the new approach of the WHE program, WHO country offices, regional offices and headquarter need to ensure an optimal level of readiness on the critical functions of the Incident Management System (IMS) put in place for the management of each graded health emergencies. Before emergencies and disasters occur, also from lesson learnt from crises, the readiness officer will ensure that countries have appropriate resources, systems, policies, procedures and capacities in place for supporting the proper, timely and effective management of health emergencies based on the WHO ERF.
Successful attainment of the objectives involves extensive contacts to initiate and strengthen readiness actions at the sub-regional (hubs) and country level with a broad range of officials from Member States and representatives of multi- and bilateral agencies, UN Agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic and public health institutions, policy makers and experts.
Description of duties
Purpose of the Position
The readiness officer will serve as the principal focal point on readiness matters as define above in the countries supported by the Nairobi hub (eastern and southern African countries). As a key member of regional operational partnership team, the incumbent will have to ensure that affected and at-risk countries to health emergencies have an optimal level of readiness in regard to the key function of the WHO incident management system.
The incumbent will work with the RO and WHE/HQ to develop and used tool for the preparedness process of selected countries and set up a monitoring system for countries’ readiness. The incumbent should be involved in preparedness activities including risk assessment and the development of preparedness and response plans. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations when required and during deployment, duties may be modified, based on the technical needs of the programme.
Summary of Assigned Duties
Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following duties:
1. Support the effective implementation of WHO strategies for country readiness in countries in East and Southern Africa.
2. Contribute in the development or adaptation of tools for country readiness assessment and for countries’ readiness plans
3. Establish a baseline of readiness on the critical functions of the IMS (Leadership, partner coordination, information and planning, specific technical expertise, operations support and logistics, finance and administration) in countries at risk of public health and major humanitarian emergencies in the sub-region covered by the hub
4. Support countries in assessing and strengthening their readiness in implementing the Incident Management system in response to crises.
5. Ensure the proper mobilization of relevant partners for ensuring a collective and effective readiness process of the critical functions of the IMS in the countries covered by the hub
6. Seek opportunities to expand and strengthen existing partnerships on readiness, especially through the development of new partnerships in the hub.
7. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including surge to countries during emergencies or backstopping for other WHE colleagues in the Hub and at regional office as required.
Competencies
Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond
Producing results
Fostering integration and teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Functional Skills and Knowledge
Relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness and response;
Sound technical expertise and experience in risk assessment in the health sector
Knowledge of WHO risk assessment tools will be an asset
Education (Qualifications)
1. Essential:
Master’s degree in Public health and/or other related field from a recognized university.
2. Desirable:
Training or experience in public health emergency and partners’ coordination
Experience
Essential
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at national and international levels in public health emergency management
Desirable
Work experience with WHO or other UN agencies in emergency management would be an asset
Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English and French
Other Skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Travel
The consultant will travel when necessary
Remuneration (travel costs are excluded)
Remuneration: Band level B
USD 7,000 - 8,480/Month