Technical Officer (Climate Change and Health)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall goal of the programme is to reduce the burden of disease related to environmental determinants of health including water, sanitation and hygiene and developing capacity of health sector and communities and reduce health impacts from climate change related events. This is envisioned to be achieved by supporting relevant ministries especially Ministry of Health in developing sound policies and guidelines, supporting early disease warming system and collaborating with integrated disease surveillance, capacity for implementing the policies and guidelines, generating political commitment and synergizing multi-sectoral partnership for low carbon emission, climate resilient and sustainable health system.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of WHO Representative and the supervision of the Technical Officer- CDS, the incumbent will assist in the following:

• Support implementation of GEF funded activities to increase health system resilience to climate change and oversee health facility assessment in ensuring availability of WASH in all health facilities.
• Technical oversight and facilitation of Health Vulnerability Assessment and finalization of Health National Adaptation Plan. Assist MOH and in collaboration with partners support development and finalization of climate resilient water safety plans and sanitation safety plans and ensure inclusion of climate change risks in these plans.
• Collaborate with relevant technical units in WCO and RO and support capacity strengthening and development, adaptation and finalization of guidelines and SOPs for Integrated surveillance of WASH related diseases.
• Technical leadership, facilitation, and support to develop the Health Care Waste Management Policy, strategy, and plan as part of overall health system resilience to climate change.
• Support Ministries of Health and Secretary of Environment for participation in high
• level policy meetings such as COP, SIDS and Health, AOSIS etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate development of appropriate proposals for resource mobilization especially for Green Climate Fund.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and other relevant documents for internal and donor submission.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in Public Health or Science from a recognized University.
Desirable: Training in water and sanitation or climate change, and public health.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in climate change, environment health and water and sanitation.
Desirable: Experience in implementing climate change and health programmes such as climate resilient health systems, integrated disease surveillance, research on climate change and health.

Skills

Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methods and technologies in climate change and health. Ability to coordinate and liaise well with all stakeholders including all levels of WHO but importantly external including MOH, UN agencies, Donors and DPs and close collaboration with staff members. Ability to speak and write clearly and develop reports, donor proposals and participate in high level discussions and negotiations. Ability to appreciate local conditions, culture and establish continuing good working relationships at national and regional level. Desirable: Good knowledge of WHO/UN administrative and financial rules, process and procedures.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

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 64,121 (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 2495 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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