The mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. The Emergency Operations Programme area (EMO) uses established internal and external frameworks to strengthen the response capabilities, supply chains, partnerships and standards that need to be in place before, during and after a health emergency. This involves establishing regional standards for response, platforms for coordination, and operational support mechanisms, upon which timely and appropriate emergency operations can be deployed, leveraging relevant national and international capacities. It also involves developing and deploying internal and external expertise for acute and protracted emergency management, as well as for the scale down and recovery from emergencies.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
Assist in planning and management of CBRN projects: Collaborate closely with technical teams to develop detailed project plans specifically addressing CBRN hazards, focusing on preparedness and response in the European Region. Coordinate technical activities related to CBRN across teams at regional and headquarters levels, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices in public health emergency management. Collaborate with the project management team in addressing any technical gaps or requirements identified during project implementation, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to CBRN risk management.
Support knowledge sharing and reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all CBRN-related projects and technical activities/products, including risk assessments, contingency plans, and training materials, ensuring accuracy and compliance with WHO guidelines. Assist in preparing regular reports on CBRN projects, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement, with a focus on public health outcomes and impact.
Support stakeholder engagement and collaboration: Map regional engagement with stakeholders involved in CBRN preparedness and response, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and international partners. Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders, organizing technical meetings, workshops, governance bodies.
Define risk management strategies for CBRN risks: Support the identification and assessment of CBRN-related risks and issues that may impact public health outcomes. Work closely with relevant technical teams and country teams to develop risk mitigation strategies tailored to address CBRN hazards, prioritising the safety and well-being of WHO personnel.
Assess CBRN Preparedness and Response capacities: Conduct desk reviews of CBRN preparedness plans, protocols, and training materials, and assess standards of effectiveness and compliance with relevant regulations.
Capacity Building and technical assistance: Support capacity-building activities focused on enhancing CBRN awareness and preparedness. Contribute to the documentation and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and technical resources related to CBRN emergency management. Provide technical support and expertise to address emerging challenges and issues related to CBRN hazards, in coordination with technical teams and experts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Bachelor's degree in health, physical or natural sciences, international relations or public policy, or a related field.
Desirable: Advanced degree or certifications related to emergency or disaster management, CBRN preparedness and response, or a related field.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of related experience projects with a focus on CBRN hazards, preferably in the context of public health emergencies or disaster response.
Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO, other relevant CBRN specialized agencies; experience working in relevant European Region institutions. Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including training sessions, workshops, and exercises, to enhance CBRN awareness and preparedness among project staff and stakeholders.
Skills
Knowledge of CBRN hazards, including their characteristics, health effects, detection methods, and mitigation strategies. Understanding of international protocols related to CBRN risk assessment, emergency planning, and response, including familiarity with WHO and EU standards. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, public health professionals, and technical experts. Proficiency in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, with the ability to develop detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones. Ability to tailor training materials and methodologies to different target audiences, ensuring that they are accessible, engaging, and relevant to the specific needs of CBRN responders and healthcare providers.
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of an Official WHO Language.
