Public Health Emergency Operations Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries. The organization’s mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM operates in various sectors, including health, humanitarian assistance, and development, with a commitment to improving the lives of migrants and their families. The organization is particularly active in regions facing crises, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where it implements health programs aimed at strengthening local health systems and improving access to healthcare services.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Emergency Operations Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the health emergency and disaster response capabilities within the BARMM region. This position is part of IOM's broader health program, which aims to strengthen the resilience of health systems and improve healthcare access in response to migration-related health risks. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive technical needs assessment to evaluate the current capacity of health emergency operations at both regional and local levels. This includes reviewing existing operational plans, assessing physical and ICT infrastructure, and evaluating human resources and their competencies. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to develop actionable recommendations that will inform the establishment and management of Emergency Operations Centers (OpCEN) in the region. The consultant will be expected to produce detailed analysis papers that include assessment results and strategic recommendations to enhance health emergency response coordination and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering a series of reports and assessments as part of a three-installment payment contract. The first deliverable will be a Regional and Provincial Assessment report that identifies infrastructure and capacity gaps, along with recommended approaches to address these gaps through consultations with key partners. The second deliverable will focus on the design and operational recommendations for OpCEN, tailored specifically for the context of the Ministry of Health and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The final deliverable will include guidance session designs and tools for government counterparts, as well as a comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy's findings and recommendations. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that all deliverables meet the quality and comprehensiveness standards set by IOM, including technical assessments of health emergency capacities and infrastructure design for OpCEN.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or higher degree in Public Health, Emergency/Disaster Management, Health Systems/Operations, Biomedical or Systems Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates should have at least ten years of relevant professional experience in public health and health emergencies, particularly in areas related to disaster risk reduction and management, public health emergency operations, and health systems frameworks. Advanced knowledge and proven experience in establishing and managing OpCEN, as well as familiarity with the standards and policies of the Department of Health in the Philippines, are essential. Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, and government entities in the BARMM region is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Public Health, Emergency/Disaster Management, or Health Systems/Operations is required. The educational background should be from an accredited academic institution, ensuring that the candidate has a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical experience in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of professional experience in public health and health emergency management. This experience should include a strong background in health systems frameworks, emergency logistics, and multi-agency coordination. Familiarity with the specific health challenges and operational contexts of the BARMM region or similar environments is highly advantageous. Previous experience with IOM or other international organizations will be considered a significant asset.

Languages:
Proficiency in Tagalog is required, and knowledge of any local dialects is desirable. As IOM operates in multiple languages, proficiency in English, French, or Spanish will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the language requirements necessary for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is structured as a three-installment payment contract, with specific deliverables due by set deadlines. The consultant will be required to undertake travel as necessary to support the program. IOM emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful working environment. Candidates must provide proof of medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses before commencing work. The appointment is contingent upon funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for the role.