Organization: WHO – World Health Organization
Location: Mandera
Grade: Junior level – NO-A, National Professional Officer – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Public Health and Health Service
Closing Date: 2024-06-02
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of the Country 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.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the incumbent will provide technical support to the EPR program, Ministry of Health at National and Sub national levels, and other partners in the context of the WHO Health Emergencies at the county level, the incumbent will provide technical advice for all WHO strategic categories and related public health programmes, including:Strengthening emergency preparedness, response and resilience activities to reduce mortality, morbidity especially due to the impact of outbreaks and or public health emergencies. Advising public health actors on health issues related to emergency response. Strengthening the health system, enhancing health equity, tackling the social determinants of health, and envisioning the achievement of universal health coverage, Ensure the continuity of essential services to communities during conflicts and emergencies including routine immunization, child health, nutrition services, sexual reproductive health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other chronic diseases, Advocate the utilization of reliable information, evidence, innovation, and knowledge for improving population health outcomes, throughout the full cycle of the emergency response, Liaising with other sectors in providing a public health response in emergencies and outbreaks, Providing technical public health input for strategic planning, project management and reporting.
During deployment, the duty station may change, and the duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the programme.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the WHE team lead, the incumbent will:
Assess threats to human life and health, damage to health infrastructure for primary and secondary care, the state of health referral and support systems, including cold chain, laboratory, essential drugs including reproductive health supplies, and health information systems, and the vital needs of the affected populations.
Collaborate with national authorities and health partners to coordinate and implement public health response activities as part of the health cluster’s strategic response.
Provide analysis of the public health risks, needs and capacities and advise on priority interventions for WHO and partners, challenges, and operational course correctors, as applicable.
Facilitate the implementation of effective, evidence-based policies, public health programmes and interventions through all life cycles, this might include maternal and new-born health, health promotion and education, NCDs, the elderly, social determinant of health, violence and injury prevention including road safety, gender and health equity and other related areas.
Ensure continuity of essential services including routine immunization, child health, nutrition services, sexual reproductive health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other chronic diseases,
Participate in outreach services in the affected populations
During emergencies act as a first responder for immediate risk assessment an implement initial control measure.
Conduct capacity building for health workers, community health promoters on health response
Ensure GBV prevention and response services, provision of health services that provide family planning, maternal and new-born care, emergency obstetric and neonatal services, HIV/AIDS and STI management
Ensure provision of mental health and psychosocial support to affected people
Coordinate meetings with all relevant partners and incident management team, producing and circulating minutes, related decisions and tracking the latter, and developing detailed “lessons learnt” reports, recommending improvement to current and future field operations.
Provide input to communications and information products (Sitreps, health cluster bulletins, outbreak bulletins etc.) as required.
Perform any other related incident-specific duties,
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education (Qualifications):
Essential: First degree in Medicine, Nursing
Desirable: Specialized training in public health, or Epidemiology, or Disaster Management
Experience:
Essential: At least three years’ experience in implementing public health at National and sub national level with the Ministry of Health, Prior UN experience is an added advantage
Desirable: Experience in emergency response in conflict setting, special training in Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH).
Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases, particularly in areas critical to promoting a public health perspective and approach, such as the epidemiology of infectious diseases, prevention or control, clinical management, and important practices.
Proven ability to coordinate and manage projects, build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies
Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to multitask and produce results under pressure
Knowledge of the UN and humanitarian systems for emergency response and Preparedness.
Technical expertise in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.
Proficiency in key computer applications. Computer abilities such as word processing, spread sheets and analytical applications.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Communicating in a credible and effective way
Producing Results
Ensuring effective use of resources
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Knowledge of Kiswahili and other local languages
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
Excellent presentation skills and use of analytical applications
Duty Station
This Position will be based in Mandera & Homabay Counties. Applicants from these areas are highly encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
·This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test may be used as a form of screening.
If your candidature is retained for 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.
For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.
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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WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.
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Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.
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