Communicable Diseases Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which was established in 194

• WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. It operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. The organization focuses on global health issues, including communicable diseases, and works with various partners to strengthen health systems worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Communicable Diseases Manager is crucial for managing communicable diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and pandemic influenza preparedness within Lebanon. The incumbent will oversee the implementation of the NTDs and EPI programme while ensuring a multisectoral approach. This role requires collaboration with national authorities to enhance data-driven public health policy and decision-making. The manager will promote and strengthen program activities, consult with national counterparts, and perform managerial tasks as necessary. The position aligns with WHO's country cooperation strategy in communicable diseases, emphasizing the importance of integrated programs and initiatives to build capacity in investigation, surveillance, prevention, and control of diseases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Facilitating the management and coordination of expertise to develop sustainable national strategies for communicable diseases.
• Coordinating the implementation of global commitments on disease surveillance and control.
• Providing technical advice to health authorities on building capacities for epidemic response.
• Acting as a focal point for planning and monitoring the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Partnership Contribution funds.
• Enhancing national capacities in epidemic forecasting and detection systems.
• Collecting and verifying outbreak data and conducting retrospective analyses.
• Managing WHO's support to improve laboratory capacities for disease surveillance.
• Implementing projects for the control of emerging infectious diseases and ensuring the procurement of necessary medicines.
• Analyzing data related to disease outbreaks and providing recommendations for response measures. 1
• Monitoring the national burden of communicable diseases and coordinating the development of health information systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, or statistics. A master's degree in public health is desirable, along with training in communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the prevention and control of communicable diseases and the ability to strategically plan and coordinate health programs.

Educational Background:
Essential educational qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A master's degree in public health is considered desirable, along with specialized training in communicable diseases and noncommunicable diseases.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in communicable and noncommunicable diseases, focusing on disease investigation, surveillance, and control. Experience in developing strategies and action plans for capacity building and disease prevention programs is essential. Desirable experience includes providing technical services to national health ministries and working with WHO or other international organizations in a health context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is required, with expert knowledge in reading, writing, and speaking. Arabic is also required, with expert knowledge in reading, writing, and speaking considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and previous applicants are encouraged to reapply. The role is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.