Technical Officer

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) 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.

WHE brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. WHE is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities. 

Emergency Operations (EMO) within the WHE is responsible for ensuring that emergency-affected populations have access to timely and effective health services. This includes ensuring a strong emergency management system (based on incident management), effective and inclusive coordination mechanisms, joint assessments and planning by partners, implementation of operations and services according to agreed standards, and strong logistics and operational support. The expansion and strengthening of operational partnerships is a key priority. EMO also leads on humanitarian policy and guidance, as well as representation to key interagency bodies.

Duties:

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

• Provide technical leadership and authoritative advice on all aspects of the development and operations of GOARN, in line with the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework, including annual work plan development, management of activities, and monitoring and evaluation of results and assist in resource mobilization for the regional development and operations, including facilitating and preparing individuals for deployment with GOARN during outbreaks in the Western Pacific and South East Asia Regions.
• Coordinate and manage strong working relationship between member states, WHE, GOARN, WHO South East Asia and Western Pacific Regional Offices (SEARO and WPRO) and WHO Headquarters, including a specific focus on Pacific Island Countries.
• Lead and coordinate regional operational partnerships including the organization of regional and inter-regional meetings to review regional infectious disease risk, particularly emerging diseases, and response capacities and capabilities and to document and analyse response operations as part of Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework.
• Manage and lead activities to expand GOARN, strengthen coordination of technical networks and disciplines, (including laboratory support and infection prevention and control & clinical management) in alert and risk assessment, and foster collaboration with Global Health Cluster, Emergency Medical Teams, standby partners and other regional and inter-regional operational partnerships, to support the development and coordination of regional rapid response capacity, and response research.
• Provide leadership and support the incident management system in major outbreaks/health emergencies, ensure the integration of GOARN in regional and country offices readiness and response activities, and engage GOARN partners to provide high-level technical support to countries in the Region.
• Lead the planning and implementation of health emergency workforce training and capacity building activities to strengthen regional and bi-regional coordination and deployment of GOARN to support alert and response capacities of countries within the South East Asia and Western Pacific Regions and globally.
• Lead and conduct research on best practices in implementing GOARN programmes and activities, including capacity building.
• Upon request, lead and/or participate in acute outbreak investigations and emergency response to provide assistance to Member States and WHO country offices as needed/requested and assist and coordinate GOARN partners in country operations.
• Provide regular technical updates and reports to senior management on key developments, contribute to the development and review of information products, including senior management briefings, technical reports and other documentation and communication materials related to the above work.
• Liaise with and utilizes partnerships in other UN agencies, donor, or research institutions in the areas of health emergency workforce planning and preparedness to advocate and position GOARN into implementation of global, regional and/or national policies.
• Act as IHR duty officer and participate in the on-call duty roster.
• Perform other related duties, as requested, including provision of support to other areas of work and teams or program areas within the WHE, including replacing and backstopping colleagues as required

Education

Essential:

• An advanced level (master’s or equivalent) university degree in public health or related discipline from a recognized university.

Experience:

Essential:

• Minimum of ten years’ relevant work experience at national and international level in the field of infectious diseases, outbreaks, and emerging diseases and other public health emergencies. Leadership and managerial experience, with experience in coordinating large scale public health projects in developing countries.

Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in international and multicultural settings combined with proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects, and build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies;
• Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;
• Health planning at operational, subnational, and national levels, with political and technical elements;
• Capacity-building through multiple methods, including training, mentoring and example setting;
• Superior organizational skills with ability to multitask and produce results under pressure;
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;
• Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven ability to communicate in a clear and effective way including through discussions, reports, briefing notes, project proposals, and powerpoint presentations.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy and courtesy to improve internal and external relationships and lead to more successful outcomes.

Language Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of English (speaking, writing and reading)
• Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2500071