WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV

WHO - World Health Organization

Nairobi

International

No grade level

Speaks English, French, Portuguese

Application deadline: August 05, 2026 (14 days)

Apply

Summary by Impactpool

The WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat is seeking a Support Staff member to assist in implementing functions related to the International Health Regulations (IHR). This role involves providing administrative and operational support, tracking communication with National Focal Points, and assisting in the development of guidance and tools. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the WHO-IHR Contact Point and contribute to capacity-building activities and monitoring IHR implementation. The position is a full-time volunteer role based in Nairobi, Kenya, with an initial duration of 6 months.

Candidate Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IHR implementation or public health emergency preparedness
Expert knowledge of English and French
Demonstrated expertise in IHR processes
Strong drafting and communication skills
Proficiency in Excel and AI tools

| Job Description - WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV (2603009)


WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV-(2603009)Grade:No gradeContractual Arrangement:VolunteerContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):Initial 6 months, renewable subject to performance and funding## Job Posting:Jul 22, 2026, 6:17:30 AM## Closing Date:Aug 5, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Kenya-Nairobi## Organization:AF/EPR Emergency Preparedness and Response## Schedule:Full-timeIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings...1. Background and JustificationThe International Health Regulations (2005) provide the legal framework for global health security. WHO‑AFRO supports Member States in strengthening IHR core capacities, ensuring timely notification of public health events, and coordinating preparedness and response measures. To reinforce the Secretariat’s operational capacity, WHO‑AFRO seeks to recruit a Support Staff member to assist the IHR Contact Point in implementing Secretariat functions, including communication, coordination, and technical support to Member States.2. Purpose of the PositionThe incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to the WHO‑AFRO IHR Secretariat, tracking communication with IHR National Focal Points (NFPs), supporting reporting processes, and assisting in the development and dissemination of guidance and tools. The role will strengthen the Secretariat’s ability to deliver on its mandate of supporting Member States in IHR implementation and emergency preparedness.3. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe support staff will work under the direct supervision of the WHO-IHR Contact Point to carry out the following activities:- Support the IHR Secretariat in maintaining updated databases of IHR National Focal Points, National IHR Authorities (NIAs) and regional experts.- Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefing notes, and technical documents for the Secretariat.- Assist in tracking 24/7 communication between WHO‑AFRO and Member States on IHR‑related notifications through the @afroihr@who.int- Provide technical and administrative input to capacity‑building activities for IHR NFPs, including workshops, training, and simulation exercises.- Assist in tracking implementation of IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework- Assist in monitoring IHR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compiling feedback for Member States.- Support with the tracking of the Framework for the Implementation of the 2024 amendments to IHR 2005- Perform other duties as assigned by the IHR Contact Point.4. Recruitment ProfileEducation- Essential : Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution.- Desirable: Medical degree with specialized training in IHR, health emergency preparedness, or response.Experience- Essential : Minimum of 3years’ experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or related field.- Desirable: Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental organizations, with familiarity in regional health security networks. Previous work experience with Ministries of Health (MOH) or National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) in the area of IHR would be considered desirable.Languages- Essential: Expert knowledge of English and French (read, write, speak).- Desirable: Proficiency in Portuguese (read, write, speak).Functional Skills- Demonstrated expertise in IHR processes and emergency preparedness.- Strong drafting and communication skills, with ability to produce clear technical and scientific reports.- Proven ability to work in multicultural environments with diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.- Proficiency in Excel and AI tools5. Competencies- Teamwork- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences- Communication- Producing results6. Expected Deliverables- Updated and verified IHR NFP and NIA database for the African Region (WHO-AFRO).- Regular Secretariat reports on Member States’ IHR capacity strengthening progress.- Contributions to regional workshops, training sessions, action reviews and simulation exercises.

WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV-(2603009)Grade:No gradeContractual Arrangement:VolunteerContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):Initial 6 months, renewable subject to performance and funding## Job Posting:Jul 22, 2026, 6:17:30 AM## Closing Date:Aug 5, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Kenya-Nairobi## Organization:AF/EPR Emergency Preparedness and Response## Schedule:Full-timeIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings...1. Background and JustificationThe International Health Regulations (2005) provide the legal framework for global health security. WHO‑AFRO supports Member States in strengthening IHR core capacities, ensuring timely notification of public health events, and coordinating preparedness and response measures. To reinforce the Secretariat’s operational capacity, WHO‑AFRO seeks to recruit a Support Staff member to assist the IHR Contact Point in implementing Secretariat functions, including communication, coordination, and technical support to Member States.2. Purpose of the PositionThe incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to the WHO‑AFRO IHR Secretariat, tracking communication with IHR National Focal Points (NFPs), supporting reporting processes, and assisting in the development and dissemination of guidance and tools. The role will strengthen the Secretariat’s ability to deliver on its mandate of supporting Member States in IHR implementation and emergency preparedness.3. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe support staff will work under the direct supervision of the WHO-IHR Contact Point to carry out the following activities:- Support the IHR Secretariat in maintaining updated databases of IHR National Focal Points, National IHR Authorities (NIAs) and regional experts.- Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefing notes, and technical documents for the Secretariat.- Assist in tracking 24/7 communication between WHO‑AFRO and Member States on IHR‑related notifications through the @afroihr@who.int- Provide technical and administrative input to capacity‑building activities for IHR NFPs, including workshops, training, and simulation exercises.- Assist in tracking implementation of IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework- Assist in monitoring IHR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compiling feedback for Member States.- Support with the tracking of the Framework for the Implementation of the 2024 amendments to IHR 2005- Perform other duties as assigned by the IHR Contact Point.4. Recruitment ProfileEducation- Essential : Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution.- Desirable: Medical degree with specialized training in IHR, health emergency preparedness, or response.Experience- Essential : Minimum of 3years’ experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or related field.- Desirable: Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental organizations, with familiarity in regional health security networks. Previous work experience with Ministries of Health (MOH) or National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) in the area of IHR would be considered desirable.Languages- Essential: Expert knowledge of English and French (read, write, speak).- Desirable: Proficiency in Portuguese (read, write, speak).Functional Skills- Demonstrated expertise in IHR processes and emergency preparedness.- Strong drafting and communication skills, with ability to produce clear technical and scientific reports.- Proven ability to work in multicultural environments with diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.- Proficiency in Excel and AI tools5. Competencies- Teamwork- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences- Communication- Producing results6. Expected Deliverables- Updated and verified IHR NFP and NIA database for the African Region (WHO-AFRO).- Regular Secretariat reports on Member States’ IHR capacity strengthening progress.- Contributions to regional workshops, training sessions, action reviews and simulation exercises.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

Candidate Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IHR implementation or public health emergency preparedness
Expert knowledge of English and French
Demonstrated expertise in IHR processes
Strong drafting and communication skills
Proficiency in Excel and AI tools

Fellowship

Master the recruitment process of the impact sector!

Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector

Explore fellowship

Show WHO - World Health Organization that you are interested in them

Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest.

Connect with organization