Health Emergency Preparedness Officer
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO operates with a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO collaborates with 194 Member States across six regions and maintains more than 150 offices worldwide. The organization is dedicated to combating communicable diseases such as influenza and HIV, as well as noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. WHO also plays a crucial role in maternal and child health, ensuring that mothers and children can thrive and look forward to a healthy future. The organization is committed to ensuring the safety of the air people breathe and addressing health emergencies globally through its Health Emergencies Programme (WHE).
Job Overview:
The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will play a vital role in supporting the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme in Somalia. This position is crucial for enhancing the country's preparedness for health emergencies, particularly in light of the chronic vulnerabilities posed by climate-driven crises and epidemic outbreaks. The officer will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and other health partners to implement the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and scale up emergency operations at the sub-national level. The role involves bridging the gap between early warning alerts and collective health actions, ensuring that the health system is equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. The officer will also facilitate planning and operationalization of all-hazard approaches in collaboration with various health and disaster management agencies, thereby strengthening the overall health emergency response framework in Somalia.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health Emergency Preparedness Officer position should possess a strong set of qualifications, including:
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Health Emergency Preparedness Officer position should have a relevant educational background, including:
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in public health, emergency preparedness, or related fields. Experience working in humanitarian settings, particularly in complex emergencies or fragile states, is highly valued. Familiarity with the health system in Somalia or similar contexts will be an advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the WHO. Knowledge of Somali or other local languages is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Somalia, which is classified as a non-family duty station due to the complex humanitarian environment. Candidates should be prepared to adhere to strict UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures and movement protocols. The role may involve working in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions, requiring a high level of adaptability and commitment. The position may also offer paid accommodation in secure UN-approved compounds and hotels, along with access to meals, laundry, internet, and basic recreational facilities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with the UN Volunteers Conditions of Service, and candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO operates with a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO collaborates with 194 Member States across six regions and maintains more than 150 offices worldwide. The organization is dedicated to combating communicable diseases such as influenza and HIV, as well as noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. WHO also plays a crucial role in maternal and child health, ensuring that mothers and children can thrive and look forward to a healthy future. The organization is committed to ensuring the safety of the air people breathe and addressing health emergencies globally through its Health Emergencies Programme (WHE).
Job Overview:
The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will play a vital role in supporting the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme in Somalia. This position is crucial for enhancing the country's preparedness for health emergencies, particularly in light of the chronic vulnerabilities posed by climate-driven crises and epidemic outbreaks. The officer will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and other health partners to implement the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and scale up emergency operations at the sub-national level. The role involves bridging the gap between early warning alerts and collective health actions, ensuring that the health system is equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. The officer will also facilitate planning and operationalization of all-hazard approaches in collaboration with various health and disaster management agencies, thereby strengthening the overall health emergency response framework in Somalia.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
- Supporting the Federal and State Ministries of Health and the National Institute of Health in assessing and monitoring national capacities for emergency preparedness in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
- Monitoring alerts from the Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN) and coordinating necessary actions in response to these alerts.
- Facilitating all-hazard planning and operationalization in collaboration with the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Ministries of Health Emergency directorates.
- Leading rapid multi-sector public health risk assessments in newly accessible or climate-affected areas and drafting targeted response profiles based on these assessments.
- Organizing and facilitating regular Tabletop Exercises (TTX) and functional simulation drills to test the readiness of health systems for sudden-onset crises.
- Managing and continuously updating WHO’s contingency stocks, prepositioning plans, and distribution pipelines for emergency supplies.
- Supporting the integration of emergency preparedness activities for health with other sectors, particularly nutrition, food safety, and water and sanitation.
- Facilitating One Health activities in Somalia to ensure a comprehensive approach to health emergencies.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health Emergency Preparedness Officer position should possess a strong set of qualifications, including:
- A deep understanding of health emergency preparedness and response frameworks, particularly in the context of international health regulations.
- Proven experience in public health, emergency management, or related fields, with a focus on health systems strengthening.
- Strong analytical skills to assess health risks and develop effective response strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Ability to work in a complex and dynamic environment, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
- A commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and practices in Somalia.
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Health Emergency Preparedness Officer position should have a relevant educational background, including:
- A degree in public health, medicine, or a related field.
- Advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) in public health, emergency management, or international health are highly desirable.
- Additional certifications or training in emergency preparedness, disaster management, or health systems strengthening will be considered an asset.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in public health, emergency preparedness, or related fields. Experience working in humanitarian settings, particularly in complex emergencies or fragile states, is highly valued. Familiarity with the health system in Somalia or similar contexts will be an advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the WHO. Knowledge of Somali or other local languages is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Somalia, which is classified as a non-family duty station due to the complex humanitarian environment. Candidates should be prepared to adhere to strict UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures and movement protocols. The role may involve working in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions, requiring a high level of adaptability and commitment. The position may also offer paid accommodation in secure UN-approved compounds and hotels, along with access to meals, laundry, internet, and basic recreational facilities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with the UN Volunteers Conditions of Service, and candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.