Support Staff for WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat

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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The WHO African Region (WHO-AFRO) focuses on improving health outcomes in African countries by supporting member states in implementing health regulations and responding to public health emergencies.

Job Overview:
The Support Staff member will play a crucial role in assisting the WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat by providing administrative and operational support. This position involves tracking communication with IHR National Focal Points (NFPs), supporting reporting processes, and aiding in the development and dissemination of guidance and tools. The incumbent will help strengthen the Secretariat’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of supporting Member States in the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) and enhancing emergency preparedness. The role is vital for ensuring timely communication and coordination between WHO-AFRO and Member States, thereby contributing to global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Support Staff will work directly under the supervision of the WHO-IHR Contact Point and will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: maintaining updated databases of IHR National Focal Points and National IHR Authorities; preparing reports, briefing notes, and technical documents for the Secretariat; tracking 24/7 communication between WHO-AFRO and Member States regarding IHR-related notifications; providing technical and administrative support for capacity-building activities for IHR NFPs, including workshops and training; monitoring the implementation of the IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework; compiling feedback on IHR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Member States; and supporting the tracking of the Framework for the Implementation of the 2024 amendments to IHR 200

• The Support Staff may also be assigned additional duties as needed by the IHR Contact Point.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution. A medical degree with specialized training in IHR, health emergency preparedness, or response is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 3 years of experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or a related field. Desirable qualifications include experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental organizations, as well as familiarity with regional health security networks. Previous work experience with Ministries of Health or National Public Health Institutes in the area of IHR is also considered advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution. Candidates with a medical degree and specialized training in International Health Regulations, health emergency preparedness, or response are preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public health systems and the legal frameworks governing health security.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or a related field. Candidates with experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental organizations will have an advantage. Familiarity with regional health security networks and previous work with Ministries of Health or National Public Health Institutes in the area of IHR is also desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate the public health landscape effectively.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and French is essential for this position, as the incumbent will need to read, write, and speak both languages fluently. Proficiency in Portuguese is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders in the African region.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a multicultural environment, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills. The role is critical for the operational capacity of the WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat, and the incumbent will be expected to demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences while producing results. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been mentioned in the job description.