Technical Support Officer - Health Security and Emergency

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 its commitment to health equity and the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. The WHO India Country Office collaborates closely with the Government of India and various stakeholders to implement national health policies and strategies, particularly in the areas of health emergencies and disaster risk management.

Job Overview:
The Technical Support Officer for Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Emergency will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of India and the Health Security and Emergency (HSE) team. This position is designed to provide strategic technical support in the planning, coordination, and implementation of health emergency preparedness and response activities. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Team Lead and will be responsible for ensuring that the national health policies align with WHO's global strategies. The role involves a significant focus on emergency management systems, coordination mechanisms, and operational partnerships, which are essential for effective public health responses to emergencies. The officer will also be involved in capacity building, technical support for emergency operations, and the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for public health emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting national authorities in planning and coordinating activities related to mass gathering management and public health preparedness.
• Providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in emergency operations and response to public health emergencies.
• Developing SOPs for the deployment of National Joint Outbreak Response Teams (NJORT) to address acute public health events.
• Assisting in capacity building and standardization of strategies related to mass gathering management.
• Supporting MoHFW programs in the prevention and mitigation of public health emergencies.
• Contributing to the development and revision of policies and strategies related to emergency preparedness and response.
• Conducting consultations, training, and capacity-building exercises, as well as developing training materials and conducting risk assessments.
• Performing other related responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine or Public Health, complemented by specialized training in emergency or disaster management. A specialization in public health or humanitarian response is desirable. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions, ensuring that candidates have the necessary academic background to fulfill the role effectively.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a university degree in Medicine or Public Health. Candidates should also have specialized training in emergency or disaster management or a related field. Desirable qualifications include further specialization in public health or disaster management, as well as training in leadership or management. WHO emphasizes the importance of accredited educational qualifications, and candidates are encouraged to verify their degrees against the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of proven experience in public health, particularly in emergency operations related to epidemic events and public health emergencies. Experience working at the national or state level is essential. Desirable experience includes working with national governments or UN/intergovernmental agencies, which would provide an advantage in understanding the operational context of health emergencies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of a local language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a monthly remuneration of INR 157,449, which is taxable according to Indian laws. The appointment will be through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) and is extendable based on satisfactory performance and ongoing need for the function. The incumbent will be based in New Delhi and may require extensive travel, potentially up to 15 days per month, to various states and districts. This position is open only to Indian nationals, and candidates must be recruited locally. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.