The mission of the WHO 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.
The Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) programme area of WHE is responsible for identifying new public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions, and communicating public health information to technical partners.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned responsibilities such as, but not limited to:
Manage tasks of the Information and Planning Pillar or equivalent as required for COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox outbreak response to ensure the planning, implementation and monitoring of epidemiological/ surveillance activities are in place.
Perform epidemiological analysis for regional national and subnational situation of COVID-19 for guiding regional response and supporting country response and contribute to information products (such as IMST presentation, dashboards, SitReps, etc.).
Manage the timely and high-quality collection, analysis, production and dissemination of data/information. This includes response specific information, internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, rapid risk assessments and the public health situation analysis
Provide technical support and assist in the development and adapting guidelines, planning and project documents based on revolving emergency as required.
Provide support to country offices on surveillance, risk assessment and developing information products to contribute to country preparedness and response and emergency deployment as needed.
Serve as IHR duty officer in accordance with the standard protocol.
Provide technical support for meetings organized by WHE in the Western Pacific Region.
Upon request, provide technical support , backstopping and gap-filling for emergency activities at any level of the Organization or scale of emergency.
Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, including provision of support to other areas of work and teams or programme areas within the WHE, as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Postgraduate degree (Master's level or above) in public health, epidemiology, quantitative methods and/or medicine or related field from a recognized institution.
Desirable: Training in epidemiology, public health, communicable diseases control and prevention or a related discipline from a recognized university. Specialized training in field epidemiology training programme or equivalent is highly desirable.
Experience
Essential: A minimum of seven years' experience in communicable disease epidemiology, public health, and/or emergency response including relevant working experience in disease outbreak investigation or emergency response programmes at the international level. Relevant work experience in surveillance, risk assessment and/or emergency management. Experience in producing and editing high quality reports, presentations and publications.
Desirable: Experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases or other acute public health events including COVID-19 in national and/or subnational level. Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies or in an international (multilateral) organization. Experience in supervision and providing education and training of surveillance fellows/ trainees in an international (multilateral) organization.
Skills
Good knowledge of surveillance, epidemiology, risk assessment, emergency response and disease control with particular attention to application of an all-hazard approach in the context of IHR (2005).
Ability to analyse epidemiological data and detect trends, unusual occurrences, outbreaks and other possible adverse public health events
Sound knowledge and skills in database management, with the ability to develop and plan innovative and appropriate solutions for information management.
Ability to conduct and participate in epidemiological investigations.
Demonstrated knowledge of surveillance issues and emerging diseases in the international context
Good communication skills both written and oral, and ability to write in a clear, concise and effective manner for different audiences.
Excellent organizational and programme management skills.
Ability to multitask and produce results under pressure within short deadlines.
Ability to deal diplomatically with national counterparts.
Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
Play a significant role in promoting a safe and respectful workplace, including reporting actual or suspected cases of sexual harassment and any other types of abusive conduct.
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of written and oral English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
