EPR Team 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 primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, and it works with countries to strengthen their health systems and improve health outcomes.

Job Overview:
The EPR Team Lead position is crucial for providing leadership and technical support to Member States in the WHO African Region. This role is focused on implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the WHO's Governing Bodies and aligning with the Transformation Agenda of the Regional Office. The EPR Team Lead will be responsible for enhancing the capacities of countries to prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies and disasters, including disease outbreaks. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, emergency preparedness, and response strategies, utilizing an all-hazard approach to address various health threats. The EPR Team Lead will work closely with national health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective emergency management systems are in place, facilitating timely detection, response, and recovery from health emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Ministry of Health in identifying and maintaining a comprehensive list of health sector stakeholders for emergency preparedness and response.
• Assess and build capacity for timely detection, early warning, and effective response to health emergencies.
• Assist in developing integrated plans for readiness and response to major epidemic-prone diseases.
• Map existing and emerging health risks and prepare a national risk profile.
• Advise on establishing and strengthening an Incident Management System/Emergency Operation Center.
• Regularly test the health emergency response system through functional exercises.
• Strengthen procedures for requesting and receiving assistance for emergency response.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government and partners regarding emergency risk management.
• Implement after-event reviews for emergencies. 1
• Develop a detailed work plan and budget for priority activities in the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. 1
• Ensure financial resources are available for rapid response to health emergencies. 1
• Coordinate with stakeholders to prioritize and submit projects for health emergency management. 1
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree in Medicine or a related field, along with a Post-Graduate Degree in Public Health, Outbreak and Emergency Management, Humanitarian Relief, Epidemiology, or a related field. Desirable qualifications include a Doctorate in Health Sciences or a related field. Candidates must possess excellent organizational and analytical skills, strong program management abilities, and interpersonal skills to negotiate effectively with officials. The ability to write clearly and present factual information is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in Medicine or a related field, complemented by a Post-Graduate Degree in Public Health, Outbreak and Emergency Management, Humanitarian Relief, Epidemiology, or a related field. A Doctorate in Health Sciences or a related field is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant progressive experience in outbreak or emergency response management, with a focus on strengthening country capacities for responding to health emergencies. Experience working with WHO, the UN System, or NGOs in the field of emergency preparedness and outbreak response operations is essential. Proven experience in conducting exercises and simulations, multisectoral coordination, and working with bilateral or multilateral organizations is desirable.

Languages:
Essential languages include excellent knowledge of French or English, with at least a working knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian is also required. A working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position may be used to fill other similar roles at the same grade level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be part of the screening process. Candidates selected for an interview must provide scanned copies of their required degrees and certificates. WHO considers only higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Mobility is a condition of employment, and candidates may be assigned to any duty station worldwide. WHO offers a range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.