Health Cluster Coordinator

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 coordinate international actions to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies and outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Health Cluster Coordinator is tasked with leading a coordinated health sector response in emergencies, ensuring that humanitarian and public health principles are upheld. This role involves working closely with national and international partners to address the health needs of vulnerable populations. The Coordinator will be responsible for health needs assessments, strategy development, resource mobilization, and monitoring the implementation of health interventions. The position requires strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders in the health sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Cluster Coordinator will manage and coordinate rapid health needs assessments and ensure that all identified health needs of affected populations are addressed. This includes collecting data from health partners, leading the development of humanitarian response plans, and ensuring compliance with national and international health standards. The Coordinator will facilitate coordination among health partners, identify technical gaps, and promote capacity building. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the development of an information management strategy for the health cluster, advocating for health sector priorities, and representing the health cluster in inter-cluster coordination mechanisms. The Coordinator will also be responsible for resource mobilization efforts and monitoring the implementation of health cluster plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, medicine, international health, management, or social sciences. Specialized training in emergency management, humanitarian principles, and health system recovery is desirable. Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in emergency and humanitarian relief operations, including managing health programs in various emergency contexts. Experience with WHO or other UN agencies is an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, medicine, international health, management, or social sciences is essential. Specialized training in emergency management and health cluster coordination is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience at both national and international levels, particularly in developing collaborative partnerships in emergency and humanitarian relief operations. Experience in managing and coordinating health programs during emergencies is crucial.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory. A working knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve working in a challenging environment requiring high standards of accountability and leadership. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The role may require candidates to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before undertaking assignments. The WHO offers a range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.