• Country: Costa Rica
• No of vacancies: N/A
  
• Salary: N/A 
• Organization: WHO
• Gender: Both
• Deadline: 2024-02-09

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others), and when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Provide technical support to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the PAHO Health Emergencies (PHE) program at country level, to enhance national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards;
2. Provide technical support for the concerted approach of PAHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR), risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management;
3. Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management, and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plans, as well as specific or contingency plans for prioritized events;
4. Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs;
5. Provide support for the preparation and implementation of the Work Plan for the health emergency program (PHE) in the country office, as well as the response actions to current and potential pandemic (influenza, COVID-19);
6. Perform intersectoral work in emergency health operations, including the management of information tools, generation of reports and strategic documents, including support to the National Emergency Operating Centre (EOC);
7. Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable/affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors;
8. Advocate for priorities in the health sector, including protection for health workers and health facilities and the highest possible integration of the health-related activities in the humanitarian country agenda;
9. Support the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005), including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions;
10. Collaborate in providing support to the national health authorities and partners in the identification and addressing of gaps needed to establish or strengthen emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services;
11. Represent PAHO in UN and other inter-agency meetings and external forums related to PAHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response as designated.
12. Facilitate partner coordination and involvement in health and other related sectors including nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), planning, information, interventions, monitoring and quality assurance, and regularly report on health services delivered to the affected populations;
13. Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
14. Participate in inter-programmatic and decentralized work at the different levels of the Organization in order to achieve the maximum levels of efficiency and effectiveness;
15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a health, social, or environmental science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in emergency and outbreak management or specific training in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, or risk reduction would be an asset.

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/.  PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/ and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Seven years of national professional experience in the areas of disaster management and control of emergencies, disaster risk reduction, including experience in outbreak response.

Desirable: Experience in the UN System with knowledge of inter-agency mechanisms in the area of national and international preparedness for and response to health emergencies would be an asset.

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