National Professional 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 operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing health emergencies, improving health systems, and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position focuses on enhancing the capacity of member states to prepare for and respond to health emergencies, particularly outbreaks. The role involves providing technical expertise and guidance in data collection, analysis, and dissemination, as well as developing and implementing early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms. The officer will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including health ministries, healthcare facilities, and international partners, to ensure effective implementation of health policies and procedures. The position also entails producing detailed strategies and guidelines for quality interventions in outbreak preparedness and response, monitoring health needs during humanitarian emergencies, and mobilizing partners to establish adequate early warning systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the National Professional Officer include:

• Providing technical expertise in outbreak preparedness and response, including data collection, validation, and analysis.
• Establishing and maintaining collaboration with health ministries, healthcare facilities, and partners to promote effective cooperation in health policy implementation.
• Producing strategies and guidelines for quality interventions in outbreak preparedness and response.
• Supporting capacity building for essential health capacities in the country.
• Identifying health needs during emergencies through joint planning and coordination.
• Mobilizing health sector partners to contribute to early warning and rapid response systems.
• Ensuring effective communication with health authorities regarding potential health risks.
• Monitoring internal WHO capacities for emergency action implementation.
• Supporting cross-border collaboration and information sharing. 1
• Analyzing health data to recommend actions and guidelines for medium- and long-term strategies. 1
• Promoting effective coordination of surveillance and evaluation activities with regional and local health entities. 1
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the WHO Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a medical degree in a health-related discipline or a postgraduate degree in epidemiology and public health, mathematics, or statistics with a specialization in public health and advanced studies in informatics. Desirable qualifications include additional training in disaster management and essential statistical software.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a medical degree or a relevant postgraduate degree in epidemiology, public health, mathematics, or statistics. Advanced studies in informatics are also required, with additional training in disaster management being advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience, particularly in disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness and response. Experience working in Guinea-Bissau within the last three years is essential, demonstrating solid knowledge of health sector accountability mechanisms.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of Portuguese is mandatory. Intermediate knowledge of English and French is desirable, enhancing communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Guinea-Bissau will be accepted. The remuneration includes an annual base salary starting at XOF 24,617,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive conduct.