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 Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) Unit 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 and stakeholders. HIM unit also support countries to strengthen surveillance systems and capacities for epidemiological investigation and risk assessment.
Under the technical supervision of the PAM-HIM and overall guidance of the Regional Emergency Director (RED), the incumbent will undertake :
· Epidemiological analyses (engaging relevant partners as appropriate), develop novel analytical approaches, and help build analytical capacity pertaining to infectious diseases of epidemic and pandemic potential, including but not limited to COVID-19.
· More specifically, the work will include advance analyses triangulating various primary and secondary data sources around the following activities: In-depth analyses and interpretation of trends and transmission dynamics locally and regionally, in addition to descriptive outputs.
· Analysis of key epidemiological features relevant for policy, including transmission dynamics, mortality, risk factors for transmission and severity, and key epidemiological parameters.
· Assessment of the impact and effectiveness of Public Health interventions, such as Public Health and Social Measures and vaccination.
· Enhancement and development of existing methods and tools (such as R packages) to improve the analysis and visualization of key epidemiological features of infectious diseases with pandemic and epidemic potential.
· Lead or contribute to the development of epidemiological briefing materials and information products, such as short epidemiological summaries, weekly epidemiological updates, and scientific manuscripts, as appropriate.
· Provide technical assistance to countries to strengthen epidemiological analysis, including field investigation, modelling analysis, and operational researches, to inform response and policy decisions.
· Provide capacity building and training to colleagues within WHO and partners, including Ministries of Health, with focus on enhancing epidemiological analysis.
· Provide assistance in developing and updating regional strategic and technical documents pertaining to epidemiological analysis of infectious diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.
· To submit an end of assignment report (Mandatory).
Essential: University degree in medicine, epidemiology, mathematics, economics, statistics or other related health discipline, related to the functions of the position from a recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (master or doctoral degree) in one of the above-mentioned fields.
Essential: At least five years' experience in statistical analysis, data science, or information management, with experiences in infectious disease epidemiology. Experience working in low or middle income country/countries in coordination with Ministry of Health of low- and middle- income countries; Demonstrated experience in working for a large epidemic or public health emergency at the national and/or international levels. International exposure, as defined as work experience in a multi-cultural environment; proven relevant experience of working with partners across different geographical/cultural settings; and/or proven relevant experience of working on a project in different geographical/cultural settings.
Desirable: Experience in infectious disease modelling; Field (country) experience in epidemiology, surveillance and/or control of acute public health events in low or middle income country/countries; Experiences working for WHO, an UN Agency or other international organization.
Expertise in statistical analysis and/or mathematical modelling of infectious diseases epidemiology in the context of epidemiology and Public Health Proficiency in operational analysis for epidemics Proficiency in R. Working knowledge of other statistical analysis packages (e.g. STATA). Knowledge of infectious diseases surveillance and control in international context. Knowledge on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response. Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate and advise the Government counterparts, colleagues in the organization and partners. Proven ability to interact multi-disciplinarily and cross-cutting environment in involving technical, cultural and political elements. Good scientific writing, communication and presentation skills. Sound organizational skills Proven ability to work in team and capacity to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment Willingness to be deployed at short notice in support of international emergency health interventions
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Setting an example
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of WHO Language.
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 64,121 (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 2608 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.
This vacancy is archived.