MEDVAC Technical 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 a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to leave no one behind. The WHO Country Office in Ukraine plays a crucial role in coordinating health initiatives and providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, particularly in response to health emergencies and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The MEDVAC Technical Officer position is designed to support the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and other stakeholders in the facilitation of the MEDEVAC-Cycle. This role is critical in ensuring the institutionalization of learning and sustainability of health activities in the context of emergency health operations. The officer will work closely with the Trauma Team Lead to provide technical guidance, develop operational procedures, and enhance the national capacity for emergency medical evacuations. The position requires a proactive approach to coordinating with various partners, including NGOs and international health organizations, to ensure effective implementation of health strategies and to promote health equity across the region. The officer will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating the MEDEVAC program's impact, ensuring that the objectives align with WHO's broader goals of improving health outcomes in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEDVAC Technical Officer will undertake a variety of duties to support emergency preparedness and response strategies. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and implementing partners under the supervision of the Trauma Team Lead.
• Assisting in the development of the MEDEVAC-Cycle, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), patient flow protocols, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Coordinating with third-party providers to ensure the smooth operation of the MEDEVAC Coordination Unit.
• Overseeing the development and delivery of training programs for emergency medical services (EMS) staff.
• Planning procurement and logistics for medical supplies and patient transport equipment as needed.
• Conducting technical and financial spot checks of implementing partners to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Supporting communication efforts by drafting visibility materials and donor communications to highlight the impact of the MEDEVAC program.
• Preparing technical briefings for WHO, the Ministry of Health, and donors, and engaging in regular discussions with stakeholders to ensure alignment on objectives and messaging.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in public administration, management, public health, medicine, or a related field. An advanced university degree (Master’s level) in any of these areas is desirable. Essential qualifications include sound organizational, analytical, and evaluation skills, complemented by a good understanding of donor agreements and reporting requirements. Candidates should also have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, and the capacity to communicate effectively in writing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first university degree in relevant fields such as public administration, management, public health, or medicine. An advanced degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex health systems and emergency response mechanisms.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of related experience in the health sector in Ukraine, particularly in areas related to critical patient care, critical care transfers, and emergency health operations. Desirable experience includes prior work with WHO, UN agencies, health cluster partners, or recognized humanitarian organizations. Familiarity with the MEDEVAC-Cycle in Ukraine is also advantageous.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of other official WHO languages is desirable, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Ukraine will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 43,650, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. Candidates should be aware that a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and integrity in its workforce.