Details
Mission and objectives
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health work of an international character within the United Nations system. It is responsible for leading global health action, setting health research agendas, setting standards and benchmarks, presenting evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and to assess trends in public health.
In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility that requires equitable access to essential care and collective defense against transnational threats.
In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility that requires equitable access to essential care and collective defense against transnational threats.
Context
The mission of the WHO/AFRO Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster is to strengthen Member States' capacity to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are exceeded, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery for affected populations.
This mission includes addressing over 100 health emergencies annually across the region, aiming to reduce suffering and save lives in areas impacted by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and complex crises. Current EPR priorities focus on building resilient health systems; upholding health security through the International Health Regulations; enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response; and ensuring reliable health information and evidence are available to guide decision-making, especially during emergencies.
The Cluster is advancing the Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030), which was endorsed at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. This strategy mandates Member States to achieve 12 targets by 2030, strengthening their preparedness, detection, and response capacities for present and future health emergencies. To support Member States, three flagship initiatives have been launched (2022-2026), promoting a Member States-led, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that unites diverse disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally for optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.
To further extend its impact, WHO AFRO joined forces with WHO EMRO and Africa CDC in May 2023 to establish the five-year Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP). This collaboration, designed to tackle long-standing EPR challenges in Africa, focuses on eight priority areas for partnership and coordinated action. (https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-africa-cdc-bolster-partnership-tackle-health-emergencies-africa)
This mission includes addressing over 100 health emergencies annually across the region, aiming to reduce suffering and save lives in areas impacted by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and complex crises. Current EPR priorities focus on building resilient health systems; upholding health security through the International Health Regulations; enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response; and ensuring reliable health information and evidence are available to guide decision-making, especially during emergencies.
The Cluster is advancing the Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030), which was endorsed at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. This strategy mandates Member States to achieve 12 targets by 2030, strengthening their preparedness, detection, and response capacities for present and future health emergencies. To support Member States, three flagship initiatives have been launched (2022-2026), promoting a Member States-led, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that unites diverse disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally for optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.
To further extend its impact, WHO AFRO joined forces with WHO EMRO and Africa CDC in May 2023 to establish the five-year Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP). This collaboration, designed to tackle long-standing EPR challenges in Africa, focuses on eight priority areas for partnership and coordinated action. (https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-africa-cdc-bolster-partnership-tackle-health-emergencies-africa)
Task description
The primary responsibility of the UNV will be to serve as the WHO focal point for monitoring, evaluation, accountability & learning (MEAL) for the Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP). There is an active effort to strengthen the JEAP systems for MEAL, making it an exciting time for a UNV to learn and contribute.
The UNV will also contribute to MEAL for the WHO EPR Cluster, supporting the coordination and production of the Cluster’s MEAL-related reports and products. The MEAL UNV will report directly to the EPR Strategic Support Manager and work closely with counterparts within the EPR Cluster and JEAP Partnership. A workplan will be developed during the first month under the supervision of the Strategic Support Manager, articulating deliverables and timelines across JEAP and EPR Cluster work.
Aligned with the workplan, with modifications as needed based on the needs of the Cluster, the UNV will conduct the following activities.
The UNV will also contribute to MEAL for the WHO EPR Cluster, supporting the coordination and production of the Cluster’s MEAL-related reports and products. The MEAL UNV will report directly to the EPR Strategic Support Manager and work closely with counterparts within the EPR Cluster and JEAP Partnership. A workplan will be developed during the first month under the supervision of the Strategic Support Manager, articulating deliverables and timelines across JEAP and EPR Cluster work.
Aligned with the workplan, with modifications as needed based on the needs of the Cluster, the UNV will conduct the following activities.
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