Programme Area Manager

World Health Organization

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PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Programme Area Manager, Country Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations is responsible for ensuring that country capacities are coordinated and strengthened for all hazards health emergency risk management: monitoring, evaluation and objective assessment of country core capacities; support to countries to develop national plans and critical core capacities for all-hazard health emergencies; coordinate and support countries to integrate relevant systems for better health security; secretariat support to the implementation of the International Health Regulations. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations when required.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Division of 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 a predictable, capable, 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.

Country Health Emergency Preparedness & IHR (CPI) Programme Area is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of countries' preparedness for health and humanitarian emergencies, the planning and country capacity building for critical capacities and the Secretariat of the International Health Regulations (2005). CPI has an all-hazards approach and involves all three levels of the Organization. CPI prioritizes support to the most vulnerable and low capacity countries.

 The inter-sectoral nature of emergency preparedness entails for CPI a large partnership with other international organizations and the consideration of several global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health,  emergencies and disasters, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework, the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS Pathway), the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, regional strategies such as the Asia-Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED), the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR),  The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the European Programme of Work . CPI coordinates its activities with international and national initiatives such as the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030. CPI is a focal point for the UHPR and GSPN from WHO EURO WHE side

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

- Lead and manage the Country Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations Programme Area ensuring coordination and oversight of Programme's work promoting an environment of professional inquisitiveness, anticipating new challenges, seeking solutions and evaluating their effectiveness, demonstrating to stakeholders and collaborators a commitment to excellence.
- Manage the regional work in the development, implementation and oversight of relevant strategies, programmes of work, and annual work plans in country health emergency preparedness & International Health Regulations. With HQ and Regional Offices, ensure the monitoring and evaluation of WHO's organization-wide work plan.
- Promote and strengthen partnerships, particularly in coordination with regional agencies and networks, particularly with the European Union and its institutions, the UN entities, civil society and other relevant partners, in line with the area of work and in close collaboration with the Director. Represent WHO at official meetings and in media context as needed.
- Provide coordination, motivation, guidance, management and performance evaluation of staff in Health Emergency Preparedness & International Health Regulations' technical teams: Core Capacity Assessment, Monitoring & Evaluation (CME); Preparedness, Readiness & Core Capacity Building (PCB); and IHR Secretariat & Global Functions (IHR).
- Manage and ensure the work of CME team focusing on assessing, planning, costing, monitoring and evaluating critical countries capacities to prepare for, detect and mount a rapid and effective response to public health emergencies.
- Manage and ensure the work of the PCB team focusing on formulating policies, norms, standards and guidelines to support the development of critical core capacities for global health security including providing training and support to high vulnerable countries to develop critical core capacities.
- Manage and ensure IHR work related to strengthening required national procedures, skills and coordination mechanisms are established in all countries.
- Ensure close-collaborative work with other technical departments and represent the Programme and, as required, the RED of the Programme, inside and outside WHO.
- Facilitate Prevention and Preparedness stream of WHE's work for operational planning, resources mobilization and partners' coordination purposes.
- Assist the RED in fulfilling this mandate and undertaking any other duties as required by the RED, including replacing and backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in a health field or Medical degree complemented by a post-graduate degree in public health or public health-related discipline.
Desirable: Specialized training in Public Health. Specialized training in emergency/humanitarian response. Training in leadership or management.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of international and national professional experience in planning, developing and implementing health security, emergency, surveillance, disease control and/or public health programmes, including at least 5 years of management experience in recognized leadership positions with direct responsibility for managing both human and financial resources.Relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness for and response to health emergencies, including those most relevant to coordination of health policy and action in health emergencies. Working experience in governmental health institutions at national or/and international level. Relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness for and response to health emergencies, including those most relevant to coordination of health policy and action in health emergencies.
Desirable: Relevant work experience in WHO and/or other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.Field experience in public health programmes or emergency response programmes in developing countries.

Skills

Four competencies are considered to be mandatory for all WHO staff with managerial responsibilities: "Teamwork", "Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences", "Communication" and "Creating an empowering and motivating environment".Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills in international and multi-cultural settings combined with proven ability to successfully coordinate, manage and lead projects, and build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies. Sound strategic and tactical thinking with ability to formulate clear comprehensive policies, strategies and plans. Superior organizational skills with ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure. Excellent interpersonal with proven ability to communicate in a clear and effective way, with tact, diplomacy and courtesy. Thorough knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR), the epidemiology of infectious diseases and other global health security threats, and of issues and practices for disease prevention and control.

WHO Competencies

Promoting WHO's position in health leadership

Producing Results

Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond

Ensuring the effective use of resources

Moving forward in a changing environment

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of 1 EURO or WHO language.

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 92,731 (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 5564 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

- 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.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
- Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
- The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
- The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. 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.
- Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
- 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 final candidates.
- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
- Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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Sector:

Role:

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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