Technical Officer (CBRN)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. The Emergency Operations Programme area (EMO) uses established internal and external frameworks to strengthen the response capabilities, supply chains, partnerships and standards that need to be in place before, during and after a health emergency. This involves establishing regional standards for response, platforms for coordination, and operational support mechanisms, upon which timely and appropriate emergency operations can be deployed, leveraging relevant national and international capacities. It also involves developing and deploying internal and external expertise for acute and protracted emergency management, as well as for the scale down and recovery from emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Assist in planning and management of CBRN projects: Collaborate closely with technical teams to develop detailed project plans specifically addressing CBRN hazards, focusing on preparedness and response in the European Region. Coordinate technical activities related to CBRN across teams at regional and headquarters levels, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices in public health emergency management. Collaborate with the project management team in addressing any technical gaps or requirements identified during project implementation, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to CBRN risk management.
2. Support knowledge sharing and reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all CBRN-related projects and technical activities/products, including risk assessments, contingency plans, and training materials, ensuring accuracy and compliance with WHO guidelines. Assist in preparing regular reports on CBRN projects, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement, with a focus on public health outcomes and impact.
3. Support stakeholder engagement and collaboration: Map regional engagement with stakeholders involved in CBRN preparedness and response, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and international partners. Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders, organizing technical meetings, workshops, governance bodies.
4. Define risk management strategies for CBRN risks: Support the identification and assessment of CBRN-related risks and issues that may impact public health outcomes. Work closely with relevant technical teams and country teams to develop risk mitigation strategies tailored to address CBRN hazards, prioritising the safety and well-being of WHO personnel.
5. Assess CBRN Preparedness and Response capacities: Conduct desk reviews of CBRN preparedness plans, protocols, and training materials, and assess standards of effectiveness and compliance with relevant regulations.
6. Capacity Building and technical assistance: Support capacity-building activities focused on enhancing CBRN awareness and preparedness. Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and technical resources related to CBRN emergency management. Provide technical support and expertise to address emerging challenges and issues related to CBRN hazards, in coordination with technical teams and experts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Bachelor's degree in health, physical or natural sciences, international relations or public policy, or a related field.
Desirable: Advanced degree or certifications related to emergency or disaster management, CBRN preparedness and response, or a related field.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of related experience projects with a focus on CBRN hazards, preferably in the context of public health emergencies or disaster response.
Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO, other relevant CBRN specialized agencies; experience working in relevant European Region institutions. Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including training sessions, workshops, and exercises, to enhance CBRN awareness and preparedness among project staff and stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of CBRN hazards, including their characteristics, health effects, detection methods, and mitigation strategies. Understanding of international protocols related to CBRN risk assessment, emergency planning, and response, including familiarity with WHO and EU standards. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, public health professionals, and technical experts. Proficiency in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, with the ability to develop detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones. Ability to tailor training materials and methodologies to different target audiences, ensuring that they are accessible, engaging, and relevant to the specific needs of CBRN responders and healthcare providers.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of an Official WHO Language.

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 4440 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.

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• 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.

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• 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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