Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer

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 has a workforce of over 7,000 employees and operates in more than 150 countries, working with governments and other partners to improve health outcomes globally. WHO's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to health emergencies.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer will play a critical role in managing the development of policies, strategies, and action plans aimed at strengthening the Republic of Mauritius's capacity to prevent, detect, report, prepare for, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. This position is essential in the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, particularly given the recent public health challenges faced by Mauritius, including outbreaks of leptospirosis and Chikungunya. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the WHO Country Office provides effective technical support to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other government entities during emergencies. This role involves monitoring and evaluating the country's core capacities and ensuring compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). The officer will also coordinate activities with various partners to enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including advising on the development and implementation of country policies and strategies related to public health threats and emergencies. They will ensure the documentation of progress and effectiveness of national action plans, lead the development of the National Action Plan for Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (NAPHS), manage IHR-related work, provide technical guidance for surveillance systems, coordinate outbreak responses, promote multi-sectoral coordination, and support resource mobilization efforts. The officer will also be responsible for managing and disseminating scientific information and ensuring that national EPR systems are effectively implemented in accordance with IHR requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a public health field or a medical degree, with specialized training or demonstrated experience in emergency management. A Master's or postgraduate degree in public health or emergency management is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in health security, emergency management, or public health programs, with relevant experience in inter-agency coordination and the implementation of International Health Regulations. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies is also desirable, particularly in small island developing states or resource-constrained contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as public health or medicine. Specialized training in emergency management or epidemiology is highly valued. A Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in public health or a related discipline is considered an asset, as is training from accredited institutions in epidemiology.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in planning, developing, and implementing health security and emergency response programs. Candidates should have experience with international preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in relation to health emergencies. Relevant experience in the implementation of International Health Regulations is essential, and experience in multisectoral coordination and working in resource-constrained environments is desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and French, both oral and written, is essential for this position. Knowledge of Mauritian Creole is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position may be filled through a Special Service Agreement (SSA) to ensure continuity of WHO's technical support during a transitional staffing period. The role requires high-level engagement with government officials and partners, and the ability to operate effectively under emergency conditions. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process, which may include a written test and the provision of educational qualifications. WHO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.