Public Health Intelligence and Risk Assessment Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies and outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Intelligence and Risk Assessment Lead will play a crucial role in enhancing health information management related to emergency preparedness and response in Somalia. This position involves leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive country strategy that focuses on health information management, particularly in the context of vaccine-preventable diseases and emergency situations. The incumbent will be responsible for improving the Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS) in Somalia, providing technical support to health authorities, and ensuring data readiness for various hazards, including climate-related shocks. The role also includes designing and overseeing health service availability surveys and health needs assessments during emergencies, managing the collection and dissemination of health data, and building the capacity of local teams in data management and public health intelligence. The position requires a proactive approach to promoting continuous learning and innovation to strengthen the health system's resilience in a challenging environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of a country strategy for health information management related to emergency preparedness and response, focusing on vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Enhance Somalia's Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS) by providing technical support to federal and state health authorities to improve data readiness for all hazards.
• Design and oversee field epidemiological and health service availability surveys, supporting country teams in conducting health needs assessments during and after emergencies.
• Manage the timely and high-quality collection, analysis, production, and dissemination of health data during complex emergencies, including internal and external Situation Reports (SitReps) and rapid needs assessments.
• Build the capacity of country and state teams involved in data management and public health intelligence through technical guidance and training.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation to strengthen the health system's resilience.
• Lead the development of projects based on the country's strategic plan to mobilize resources, recognizing the importance of emergency funding for the WHO Somalia office.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, Database Management, or Public Health. Desirable qualifications include substantial training in Quantitative Epidemiology and specific training in humanitarian response or information management in emergencies. A post-Master's degree such as a PhD in relevant fields is also desirable. Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in information management, monitoring, needs assessment, and data management in the public health sector, with significant experience in emergency management and surveillance in leadership roles.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, Database Management, or Public Health. Additional desirable qualifications include training in Quantitative Epidemiology and a post-Master's degree such as a PhD in related health fields.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in information management, monitoring, needs assessment, and data management within the public health sector. A significant portion of this experience must be in emergency management, surveillance, or humanitarian contexts, ideally in leadership positions at both national and international levels. Desirable experience includes knowledge of epidemiological aspects of infectious diseases and their prevention and control, as well as experience in AFP surveillance and other EPI diseases.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English. Desirable language skills include expert knowledge of the local language, which would be beneficial for effective communication within the community and with local authorities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The remuneration for this position starts at USD 86,027 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.