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 a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's Health Emergencies Programme aims to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and coordinate international health responses during crises.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is critical in supporting WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, particularly in the context of health threats from epidemic diseases. The role involves securing and analyzing health data, assessing public health risks, and developing surveillance systems. The officer will also be responsible for creating situational reports on the health of displaced populations and providing technical guidance for disease outbreak prevention and control. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including health personnel in camps and host communities, to enhance public health responses during emergencies. The officer will lead capacity-building initiatives and coordinate technical working groups to ensure effective health sector responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Secure and analyze information from various health sectors to provide actionable insights.
• Conduct public health risk analyses and develop profiles for epidemic threats.
• Improve public health surveillance systems in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Generate situational reports on the health status of displaced populations and other affected groups.
• Review program plans and proposals to ensure alignment with national health strategies.
• Provide technical guidance for disease outbreak management during emergencies.
• Design and implement training programs for health personnel in crisis-affected areas.
• Facilitate coordination meetings with partners and document outcomes.
• Recommend improvements for field operations and coordination mechanisms. 1
• Participate in project proposal development to secure funding. 1
• Lead and coordinate sub-national technical working groups in alignment with national health structures. 1
• Oversee technical and administrative tasks within the sub-office.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first-level university degree in Medicine or Public Health, with a Master's Degree in Public Health being desirable. Candidates should possess proven skills in capacity building, knowledge of emergency health programs, and the ability to work under pressure. Familiarity with WHO and UN programs is also essential, along with excellent presentation skills and a commitment to ethical standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold at least a first-level university degree in Medicine or Public Health. A Master's Degree in Public Health is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in public health and health sector coordination is required. Experience in capacity building and knowledge of WHO's mandate and goals, as well as familiarity with UN organizations or NGOs, is considered an asset. Project management experience is also desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Arabic is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Syria will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at USD 28,828, subject to deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The position may involve a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications from accredited institutions. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and abuse, and candidates must adhere to high ethical standards.