Technical Officer (Human Animal Interface)

Geneva

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Geneva
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Livestock, production and veterinary
- Animal Health and Veterinary
Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Health emergencies continue to have significant and sometimes catastrophic impacts on countries health, economies and development. Both recent and ongoing public health events have demonstrated that many communities remain at high risk, and that strong levels of national preparedness across all relevant sectors are crucial to ensuring the effective management of health emergencies, when they occur. They also illustrate the need for scaling up the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) that requires countries to build and maintain the capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to, and recover from public health emergencies, anchored on strong and resilient health systems. The Emergency Preparedness Division contributes to the implementation of the WHO Global Programme of Work (GPW 13) and is guided by WHO strategic priorities to “keep the world safe, improve health and serve the vulnerable”. The WHO strategic priorities drive the progress in health towards Universal Health Coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and speaks particularly to SDG 3, to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The Health Security Preparedness (HSP) department supports Member States in enhancing national preparedness across the IHR core capacities to manage all-hazard risks and emergencies, and to build multi-sectoral approaches for health security. It ensures that WHO supports Member States to build sustainable preparedness capacities and scale up the implementation of the IHR (2005),and support the implementation of the Sendai Framework, the WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Framework, Paris Agreement on Climate Change and other related global and regional frameworks. HSP works with partners and the broader global heath security community to ensure that the most vulnerable communities in all countries are protected from the impact of health emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, and under the technical guidance of the senior staff in HAI, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following activities:
1. Provide epidemiological expertise and technical support during zoonotic events risk assessment and response, (currently COVID and Monkeypox) and share inputs and perspective from the animal health side with the appropriate components of the WHO response, ; maintain regular exchanges with FAO, WOAH (founded as OIE) and their Ad Hoc group of experts; coordinate with these counterparts in animal health for risk assessment, communication and promote the development of joint statements, as relevant.
2. Work with the other teams in HSP to ensure the consideration of interfaces between human health, animal health and the environment in countries` preparedness for zoonotic diseases, including through the IHR monitoring and Evaluation Technical Framework, as well as in operational readiness and national planning for health security.
3. Support the development, implementation and evaluation of the Response Preparedness (REPREP) programme aiming to strengthen the capacities of countries to coordinate actions between the various sectors during the development of a zoonotic event, with a special focus on the interface between human health, animal health and the environment. This includes but is not limited to the consolidation of the approach, the development of a roster of experts able to conduct the REPREP workshops, and the implementation of the REPREP program in requesting countries, in close collaboration with the regional offices and partners,
4. Participate in the development and management of technical projects with an animal-human interface component in close collaboration with WHO Regional and Country Offices. 5. Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level university degree in human medicine, veterinary sciences, microbiology or other related fields relevant to the position.
Desirable: Post-graduated training in epidemiology, infectious diseases and/or zoonotic diseases.

Experience

Essential: At least five years' experience related to infectious or zoonotic diseases of which 3-5 years at international level. Experience in incident management, surveillance and risk assessment of infectious and/or zoonotic diseases. Proven experience in writing reports and technical documents.
Desirable: Experience in multi-sectoral / multi-partner technical and scientific collaboration. Proven experience in the implementation of training programs and adult learning approaches, and in the organization of meetings and workshops. Previous experience in working with UN agencies and other relevant international organizations.

Skills

- Knowledge of WHO, the UN System work in the field of disease detection and response relief nd/or of their practices and procedures.
- Open mind, ability to understand different perspectives.
- Good organizational and analytical skills with the ability to coordinate activities and manage projects.
- Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner, and to present factual information.
- Good understanding of training approaches and experience in facilitating workshops at country level.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN Languages.

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 62,692 (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 3709 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.

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