Unit Head, Emerging Zoonoses & High Impact Epidemics

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 organization focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. WHO collaborates with countries and partners to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The position of Unit Head for Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme is pivotal in safeguarding global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The role involves providing technical leadership and managerial support to ensure that the unit's activities are executed efficiently and effectively. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and updating evidence-based technical guidance and strategies related to emerging zoonoses and high-impact epidemics. This includes formulating health policies and strategies in collaboration with regional and country offices, overseeing a team of technical experts, managing financial resources, and ensuring the successful delivery of program objectives. The role also entails conducting research on best practices, monitoring and evaluating performance indicators, and representing the program at various meetings to advocate for emerging diseases and zoonoses. The Unit Head will play a crucial role in enhancing global health security and mitigating the impact of epidemics and pandemics through strategic leadership and multisectoral partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and coordination within the Department/Programme, ensuring efficient execution of activities related to Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics.
• Develop and update evidence-based technical guidance and strategies in the area of Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics.
• Propose and implement technical health policies and strategies in collaboration with Regional and Country Offices and partners.
• Oversee a unit of technical teams specialized in various domains, facilitating team synergies.
• Manage the program area by effectively managing technical staff, financial resources, and work planning to optimize deliverables.
• Lead research on best practices and disseminate information for capacity building.
• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators and reporting requirements to enhance program performance.
• Serve as a technical reference among peers, UN Agencies, and stakeholders.
• Liaise with partnerships in other UN Agencies, donors, or research institutions to position the technical area of work into global and national policies. 1
• Represent the program area at meetings to advocate for Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses. 1
• Perform all other related duties as assigned, including leading the development of WHO technical strategies for emerging zoonotic diseases and directing global technical assessments to inform strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced level university degree (Master's level) in medicine, public health, infectious diseases, or epidemiology is essential.
• A PhD in one of the aforementioned fields is desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the prevention and control of Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics, including experience in health policies and strategies, is essential.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources is required.
• Experience at the international level is essential, while project management and disease surveillance experience are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (Master's level) in medicine, public health, infectious diseases, or epidemiology. A PhD in one of these fields is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the prevention and control of Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics. This includes substantial experience in health policies and strategies, as well as demonstrated experience in managing human and financial resources. Experience at the international level is essential, and additional experience in project management and disease surveillance is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication in a multilingual environment and enhance collaboration with French-speaking partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 103,165, with additional variable post adjustments reflecting the cost of living in Geneva. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and candidates may be assigned to any duty station worldwide. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment.