The Department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness (GIH) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation; and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, GIH develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectoral partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin. The department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through : Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact, Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies, Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership, Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies. The Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (EZD) team develops strategies, guidance, global mechanisms and interventions to address high threat pathogens responsible for epidemics or pandemics thereby reducing their impact on affected populations and limiting their international spread. This team deals with known emerging and re-emerging high threat pathogens such as
zoonotic diseases (for example Nipah virus and Hendra virus);
arboviruses (for example zika and chikungunya);
respiratory pathogens (for example MERS and plague); and
bio-risks (for example smallpox.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:
Support the technical work on zoonotic diseases and biorisks including coronaviruses, including the development and revision of guidance and guidelines.
Support the development of a global evidenced-based strategy for high threat respiratory pathogens, biorisks and other zoonotic diseases.
Assist with knowledge sharing with expert networks and partnership, identifying gaps in knowledge and develop plans and study protocols to address gaps.
Collaborate with the transfer of knowledge team on user-friendly materials for risk communication and training.
Work with WHO Regional and Country Offices on the development of strategic plans to strengthen regional and national response to EZD.
Support the Unit Head, EZD in the incident management structure for COVID-19 and work with other teams/departments at WHO and other partner agencies to cover the various aspects of the public health response to COVID-19.
Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: A first level university degree in medicine or life science.
Desirable: Advanced degree in infectious disease epidemiology or similar.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of experience in zoonotic disease. Experience working in budget operations and donor relations. Experience with high threat respiratory pathogens, including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Desirable: Experience working for WHO, UN agency or international organization.
Skills
Knowledge in managing work plans, evaluate technical progress, prepare project materials & reports, experience in setting project priorities and activities, and ensure general efficacy and timeliness of work activities.
Ability to work and produce results under pressure and meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
Sound judgment and initiative.
Excellent analytical and drafting/writing skills are essential.
