Technical Officer (Health Emergency Operations Centre)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) 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. The EMO unit of the Programme 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 policyand guidance, as well as representation to key interagency bodies.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent isassigned all or part of the following duties which are performed according tothe needs and agenda:

• Serve as HEOC Manager for the SEARO Health Emergency Operations Center, supervising all operational functions of the SEARO HEOC Develop, update and manage all required Infrastructure, plans and procedures, information management products and datasets for the seamless day to day operations of the SEARO HEOC.
• During emergencies, support the WHO SEARO response through management of the SEARO HEOC and support WHO Country Offices and Member States in the Region with establishing and/or activating their HEOCs as the central coordination hub for emergency operations and the Incident Management System. 
• During emergencies, ensure appropriate documentation of SEARO emergency response activities. 
• Serve as focal point for all HEOC related activities and communication with SEARO Member States as well as regional network of HEOCs.
• As part of capacity building, contribute to the development and implementation of training activities on Health Emergency Operations Centers for Members States.
• Support the development of HEOCs in priority countries in the SEARO region. 
• Backstop for EMO team for initial response at the onset of emergency events 
• As assigned, organize and participate in internal and external meetings, working groups and steering committees.
• Submit end of assignment report (mandatory).
• Deliver comprehensive, timely, client and solution-oriented technical and administrative support across all budget centers, proactively strengthening country office capacity through responsive engagement, collaboration, and accountability to deliver measurable results for Member States. 
• Perform other relatedresponsibilities as assigned.
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in health sciences or public health or medicine or social sciences.
Desirable: Emergency Management, healthservices/health administration and/or Public health training.
 

Experience

Essential: At least five years' of relevant experience including some yearsof international experience in public health,management, coordination or health emergency management within the UN System,government institutions, or NGOs.
Desirable: Experience in coordination andexternal relations in health emergency operations.
 

Skills

Demonstrate organizational and IT skills combined with capacity to multi-task and produce results under pressure within short deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills with track record in building successful relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and key partners. Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.
 

WHO Competencies

-Teamwork
-Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
-Communication
-Producing results
-Ensuring the effective use of resources
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
 

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 71,335 (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 1813 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

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

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• 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.

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• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

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• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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