Health Emergency Lead

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 in Somalia focuses on coordinating national actions to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies, contributing to building resilient health systems and achieving universal health coverage.

Job Overview:
The Health Emergency Lead will play a crucial role in enhancing the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies in Somalia. This position requires working closely with technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels, providing expert guidance to national authorities, and coordinating all aspects of the WHO Health Emergencies programme at the country level. The incumbent will be responsible for developing national strategies, conducting gap analyses, and leading the development of a national multi-hazard health emergency preparedness and response plan. The role also involves assessing national health risks, identifying resource needs, and advocating for funding from partners and donors. The Health Emergency Lead will support the establishment of emergency health care systems and ensure effective communication and knowledge dissemination among stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating with technical focal points at WHO regional and headquarters levels; providing expert technical guidance to national authorities; enhancing national capabilities in emergency preparedness and response; leading the development and revision of national strategies and health emergency preparedness plans; preparing national risk profiles; identifying resource needs and funding gaps; advising national health authorities on emergency health care systems; capturing and disseminating knowledge from interventions; and representing WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to health emergencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's level) in a relevant field such as medicine, epidemiology, or public health. Essential qualifications include a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in public health, particularly in epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities, with significant experience at the international level. Candidates should have experience in strengthening country capacities for emergency response, facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships, and a track record in consensus building among diverse stakeholders. Desirable qualifications include training in applied epidemiology and experience with United Nations funds and programmes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's level) in a relevant field is essential for this position. Candidates with additional training in applied epidemiology will be preferred. Educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant work experience in public health, specifically in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities. A significant portion of this experience should be at the international level, with a focus on strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Experience in facilitating partnerships for health policy and strategic interventions in emergency preparedness is also essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165 annually, subject to deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Mogadishu, currently amounting to USD 3,628 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all staff members are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and candidates may be assigned to any duty station worldwide.