Technical Officer (Emergency Simulation Exercises)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Country Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR (CPI) Unit in the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) in the Western Pacific Regional Office supports Member States in enhancing national preparedness across the IHR core capacities to manage all-hazard risks and emergencies, and to build multisectoral 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. CPI works with partners and the broader heath security community to ensure that the most vulnerable communities in countries are protected from the impact of health emergencies, in line with the bi-regional Asia-Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

• Working with key players in WHE, WHO and partners, to implement the pre- strategic and operational direction for all aspects of simulation exercises, aligning with the APHSAF domains and the IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.
• In collaboration with partners, provide technical support in the development of tools, materials, guidance and training for simulation exercises.
• Follow up and consolidate country needs with regards to simulation exercises, providing guidance and support to the updates of country plans and budget following simulation exercises.
• Develop and disseminate related documents.
• Analyze results from national simulation exercises and develop key lessons for distribution through different forums as well as to inform capacity building of the IHR.
• Maintain and expand a trained network of professionals to support the implementation of exercises.
• Document achievements and lessons learnt on the implementation of simulation exercises, advocate for, and link simulation exercises to relevant WHO and interagency processes.
• Support the development of WHO`s simulation exercises across all levels of the organization including WHO Country Offices, other Regional offices, Headquarters and partners, including inter agency exercises.
• Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in public health or social sciences.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health or emergency management. Training in simulation exercises. Certification or specialization in outbreaks emergencies, emergency management or crisis management.

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/

Experience

Essential: At least five years’ experience, including relevant international exposure, in simulation exercises, emergency preparedness and response and project management.

Desirable: At least 2 years experience in conducting public health simulation exercises at the regional or global level. Experience in working in response operations in a field location (regional or country office) within WHO or other UN agencies. Experience in simulation exercises to test IHR (2005) communications or IHR (2005) emergency response mechanisms. Experience of work in the area of risk assessment, planning, and lessons learned/after action reviews would be an added value.

Skills

Computer literacy.

WHO Competencies Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another UN 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 64,121 (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 2,757 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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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