Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES 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. The objectives of the Health Emergency Preparedness & the International Health Regulations (2005) Division (EPA) include the monitoring and evaluation of countries' preparedness to health and humanitarian emergencies, the planning and country capacity building for critical capacities and the Secretariat of the International Health Regulations (2005) involving an all-hazards approach at all three levels of the Organization, as well as preparedness for emerging pathogens. The EPA Division prioritizes support to the most vulnerable and low capacity countries. The IHR Secretariat (IHR) Unit manages the IHR secretariat and oversees the organization and conduct of the IHR Emergency and Review committees and follow up of the recommendations, reports to the WHO governing bodies on the implementation of the IHR (2005), and provides legislative support to WHO and States Parties and particularly to the IHR National Focal Points. The IHR Unit ensures that IHR databases of experts and other relevant information are maintained and updated, and that appropriate working groups are functional.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

1. Develop and maintain a publicly accessible repository of public health measures adopted by countries in response to public health emergencies of international concern, including recommendations for travelers.

2.Develops travel advice during outbreaks and emergencies and follow up with partners including WHO collaborating centers for travel and health.

3. Oversee the publication, regular updating and implementation of routes for aircraft disinsection and follow up on vector control in conveyances.

4. Manage the Yellow Fever Working Group and carry out yearly updates for Yellow Fever vaccination requirements and recommendations.

5. Supports the organization, conduct and follow up of the IHR Emergency Committees and Review Committees, including maintaining the IHR Roster of experts.

6. Promotes multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHO/WHE/EPA and key partners.

7. Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in public health, or law or social, or behavioural or managerial sciences, or international relations.
Desirable: Post graduate training in management and administration of international organizations.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience working in the area of international public health with an emphasis on international outbreak response, including planning and management at national and international levels.
Desirable: Experience in IHR, public health, infectious disease control, or public health emergency response programmes. Previous experience in working with WHO HQ, regions and country offices on health systems policy and health aid issues.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of IHR (2005), their purpose and content, complemented by a good understanding of the processes of IHR Committees.
• Excellent organization and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to write and summarize information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to provide sound methodological and technical advice and guidance to stakeholders and partners in countries, technical programs and other organizations in the subject area.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues at Regional, inter-country and country levels.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork.
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
Communication.
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.
Knowing and managing yourself.

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of 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 74,913 (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 5581 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 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.

• 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.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.