National Professional Officer (NPO)

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. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to improve health systems, respond to health emergencies, and address public health challenges globally. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (NPO) position is crucial for integrating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) into emergency preparedness and response in South Sudan. This role involves providing technical leadership and operational support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and ensuring that NCD services are effectively incorporated into health programs during emergencies. The NPO will work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen national capacity and ensure that health services remain accessible during crises. The position requires a deep understanding of the health landscape in South Sudan, particularly regarding the challenges posed by NCDs in emergency situations. The NPO will also be responsible for contextualizing WHO guidelines to fit the local context and ensuring that the health system can respond effectively to the needs of the population.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of key responsibilities, including:

• Providing direct technical support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on NCDs in emergencies, ensuring that the health system is prepared to address these critical health needs.
• Contributing NCD expertise to country-level health programs, which includes the procurement and deployment of NCD and trauma kits.
• Coordinating and providing technical assistance to implementing partners to ensure that NCD services are integrated into their programs.
• Offering technical input and sharing lessons learned with WHO Regional Office and Headquarters focal points to maintain coherence between global and local strategies.
• Contextualizing and adapting guidelines and training materials specifically for South Sudan to enhance the effectiveness of NCD care.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen rehabilitation and NCD care as part of the national emergency medical team (EMT) capacity.
• Mentoring and training national staff to sustain interventions on NCDs in emergencies.
• Managing reviews and developing post-review implementation plans to track progress and ensure accountability.
• Developing case studies that document best practices, challenges, and lessons learned from the implementation of NCD services in emergencies. 1
• Conducting assessments of NCD needs in emergencies to inform program planning and resource allocation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least three years of relevant experience in the areas of NCDs, emergency health response, or health systems strengthening. Experience working with government entities, UN agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian partners is essential. Strong analytical, coordination, and communication skills are also required to effectively perform the duties of this position. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of health systems and the specific challenges posed by non-communicable diseases in emergency settings. Candidates should have a solid grasp of public health principles and practices, particularly as they relate to emergency response and health system strengthening.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in the fields of non-communicable diseases, emergency health response, or health systems strengthening. This experience should ideally include working in challenging environments, such as conflict zones or areas affected by natural disasters, where health services are disrupted. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of effectively collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, and local partners to implement health programs and respond to emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with international partners. Additionally, good knowledge of Arabic is beneficial, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of health interventions in South Sudan. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it can improve engagement with communities and ensure that health messages are effectively conveyed.

Additional Notes:
This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test may be used as a form of screening. If selected for an interview, candidates will be required to provide scanned copies of their degree(s), diploma(s), and certificate(s) as part of the application process. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct. All members of the workforce are expected to promote a safe and respectful workplace.