Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) 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, promoting health systems, and advancing health equity.

Job Overview:
The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Officer will play a crucial role in the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, focusing on the prevention, detection, and response to infectious disease outbreaks. This position requires a proactive approach to managing infectious risks and ensuring that national strategies align with WHO's guidelines. The officer will be responsible for advising on the development and implementation of national plans for infectious disease control, monitoring epidemic risks, and collaborating with regional and global teams to enhance public health responses. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases and the ability to adapt strategies to various epidemiological contexts. The IHM Officer will also be involved in capacity building, technical assistance, and ensuring effective communication regarding health risks to stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise on the development, implementation, and evaluation of national strategies for the prevention and control of high-threat infectious diseases, ensuring alignment with WHO's IHM strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate early detection, verification, and investigation of epidemic risks, collaborating closely with regional and headquarters teams.
• Adapt and implement infectious risk management policies and strategies at the national level to prevent and eliminate epidemic threats.
• Prepare periodic reports on infectious risk activities and support the integration of information systems with national health information systems.
• Contribute to the surveillance and analysis of infectious disease risks and participate in rapid response teams for field investigations.
• Ensure that communication messages regarding health risks are technically accurate and culturally appropriate.
• Formulate recommendations for action in affected and unaffected areas to control morbidity and mortality.
• Provide technical assistance on vaccination, enhanced surveillance, infection control, and sanitation measures.
• Activate regional or global expert networks for pathogen characterization in case of unknown infections. 1
• Represent the country office at official meetings as required. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A first-level university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field from an accredited institution. Desirable: Specialized training in epidemiology and emergency management. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of infectious diseases and public health principles, as well as the ability to coordinate and manage projects effectively. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field from an accredited institution. Specialized training in epidemiology and emergency management is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to address complex health challenges effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience at the national level in planning, developing, and implementing infectious disease control and prevention programs. This includes experience in epidemic outbreak management and infectious risk management. Relevant experience with inter-agency mechanisms for coordinating health emergency preparedness and response is also essential. Desirable experience includes working with WHO or other UN agencies, NGOs, or humanitarian organizations, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of French is required. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of English is advantageous, as it facilitates communication in a multilingual environment and enhances collaboration with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Burkina Faso will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at XOF 29,500,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Staff members are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before commencing the assignment.