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Technical Officer

Geneva

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • HQ/CRS Country Readiness Strengthening
  • Closing Date: Closed

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 Country Readiness Strengthening Department include the development and strengthening of core national capacities necessary to mitigate and respond to emergency risks and vulnerabilities. The Department prioritizes support to the most vulnerable and low capacity countries. Within the Programme, the population movement and Mass Gatherings function in the WHO/ WPE/CRS is responsible for coordinating and overseeing WHO's work on mass gatherings through the following functions:

  1. Advisory: assistance to WHO's senior management, UN Crisis Management Team, Incident Management Support Team (IMSTs), and other UN agencies and bodies with regard to decision-making processes related to mass gatherings.

  2. Scientific and normative: collection and review of existing information and data to guide the development, publication and dissemination of technical guidance, tools, messages, advocacy material and other information products targeted to different audiences, including release of interviews to media outlets.

  3. Coordination and networking: establishment and management of round-tables of academic institutions, sports/leisure/religious/other relevant associations and federations, and other expertise involved in the organization of mass gatherings.

  4. Technical support: provision of technical guidance to Member States, WHO Regional and Country Offices, and other relevant stakeholders in the area of planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating mass gatherings.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

  • Developing mass gathering guidance and tools, and disseminating them to Member States and other stakeholders according to identified needs and in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and global health security.

  • Providing technical support to Member States and other stakeholders with the aim of strengthening the strategic and operational planning for mass gathering events (e.g. Olympics, Hajj) and documenting implemented activities through case studies and legacy assessments in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

  • Liaising with WHO Collaborating Centers, other centres of excellence and other stakeholders, facilitating exchanges and collaboration, and using their network to strengthen global capacities on mass gatherings and further develop knowledge and expertise.

  • Upon delegation, representing the Organization in technical meetings, seminars, congresses and academic events in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

  • Acting as the focal point and resource person for the WHO Biorisk Working Group Secretariat; supporting the organization, conducting and following up on meetings of the WHO BRWG Secretariat; coordinating the collection of quarterly reports on biorisk activities.

  • Performing other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

  • An advanced university degree (master level) in public health or related domain.


Desirable:

  • Additional training in communicable diseases, and/or International Health Regulations.

Experience

Essential:

  • At least 7 years of professional experience in project development and management in the fields of health.

  • Experience in risk assessment and/or health emergency preparedness for Mass Gathering events.

  • Experience of working in developing countries.

  • Demonstrated exposure at the international level.

Desirable:

  • Experience in the development of guidance and tools.

  • Experience in responding to public health events.

  • Experience with coordinating and/or running technical projects.

  • Experience of working with the UN or international organizations.

Skills

  • Knowledge of public health implications of infectious diseases and epidemic-prone diseases.

  • Knowledge of aspects of WHO epidemic preparedness and response including the organization, management and administration of national/field response to epidemics and other health emergencies.

  • Knowledge of project planning and management.

  • Good written and oral communication skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, communication, consultative and diplomatic skills in liaising with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

  • Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

  • Intermediate knowledge of French.

  • Intermediate knowledge of other 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 5138 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.

  • WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

  • 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.

This vacancy is now closed.