The mission of the Division of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The WHE Division 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 an effective, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme 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 main objective of the Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Programme Area is: IHM Programme Area is responsible for establishing risk mitigation strategies, capacities and approaches for priority high-threat infectious hazards. This includes characterization of pathogens, assessing risk and burden, developing and supporting prevention and control strategies, capacities, tools and interventions for high-threat infectious hazards as well as establishing and maintaining experts networks to detect, understand and manage new or emerging high threat infectious hazards. IHM Programme Area also provides direct technical support to countries and communities to prevent and control epidemic. This includes deploying technical field assistance, helping strengthen national response capacity and supporting preparedness plans
The position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of collaborative surveillance approaches in the Region.
Provide high level expertise in development and implementation of strategies, plans and approaches for the establishment, operation, and sustainability of collaborative surveillance.
Lead the work on bridging vertical and horizontal surveillance approaches including sharing data, workforce capacities and expertise, applying interoperative data platforms and standards, and conducting joint risk assessment and investigations for better epidemic intelligence.
Foster collaboration across disease surveillance systems, sectors, the emergency cycle and geographic levels for collaborative approaches for event detection, risk assessment and epidemic alert and response activities.
Provide technical support and guidance to countries, regional partners and other stakeholders in implementation of collaborative surveillance to better address all health hazards across the risk management cycle.
Build partnerships with the various counterparts, including countries, international partners and expert networks to implement appropriate interventions, including strategic planning, facilitation, guidance, and information and documentation development for collaborative surveillance.
Provide programmatic support to collaborative surveillance projects including workplan development, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
Liaise with external funders and implementers to increase alignment and effectiveness of collaborative surveillance investments, and support WHO, countries and partners to develop funding proposals and implementation plans for collaborative surveillance.
Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior leadership and other stakeholders on strategy and implementation, highlighting progress and achievements as well as identifying challenges and options for improvement.
Participate in regular meetings with the WSE Division in Berlin Hub and other regional teams to share updates and progress of collaborative surveillance work in the Region.
Essential: Advanced university degree (Masters or above) in medicine, microbiology, public health, veterinary medicine or other area related to the function.
Desirable: Doctorate (or equivalent) in epidemiology, microbiology, or related field.
Essential: At least 7 years' experience working on public health surveillance and prevention and control of infectious diseases, including at least 3 years working on either epidemiology, microbiology or veterinary services.
Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO and/or other UN sister agencies; experience working in other multi and bilateral development agencies active in the health sector. Experience working at an international level including low and middle income countries. Proven experience in responsibility for management of work plan activities. Good skills or experience in teaching or training.
Demonstrated leadership and team management skills in international and multi-cultural settings, including the proven capacity to lead and deliver on deadlines during periods of intense stress and activity; demonstrated ability to provide independent leadership in such periods with capacity to organize, monitor and synthesize information quickly and concisely. Proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects and workshops, and build partnerships, across agencies and organizational departments in the context of health emergencies. Expert level knowledge of infectious diseases, critical for promoting a public health perspective and approach, such as infectious disease epidemiology, prevention and control, health emergency preparedness and response, and significant practical application of this knowledge in an international context. Proven understanding of the management of acute and urgent public health responses, including infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian emergencies. Demonstrated effectiveness in building sustained partnerships and working with others in international settings.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of either French, German, or Russian
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 77,326 (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 5149 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.
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) are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email toreasonableaccommodation@who.int
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