Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist

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Position Title: Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist
Location: New Delhi
Country: India
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 core values include equity, solidarity, and participation, and it aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible standard of health as a fundamental human right. The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO includes 11 countries with a combined population of over 1.9 billion, with India being the most populous at 1.4 billion. WHO India collaborates with the Government of India to address public health needs, particularly in emergencies and disease outbreaks, through its Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS).

Job Overview:
The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the national capability of India to prepare for and respond to health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the WHO Representative to India and the Deputy Head of the WHO Country Office. The position involves providing expert technical guidance to national authorities, coordinating the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, and ensuring a concerted approach to emergency risk management. The specialist will lead the development of national strategies and multi-hazard health emergency preparedness plans, assess national health risks, and advocate for resource mobilization. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including ministries and partners, to strengthen emergency health care systems and ensure effective response to health crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels to implement the WHO Health Emergencies programme.
• Provide expert technical guidance to national authorities in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for emerging infectious diseases and health emergencies.
• Lead the development and revision of national strategies and multi-hazard health emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Conduct gap analyses in emergency preparedness and management and recommend appropriate measures.
• Prepare national risk profiles and assess existing and emerging health risks.
• Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction and mobilize resources from partners and donors.
• Assess national capacities and competency development systems, and oversee training implementation for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005).
• Advise national health authorities on establishing or strengthening emergency health care systems.
• Capture and disseminate knowledge from policy and field interventions. 1
• Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to emergency preparedness and response.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in a relevant field such as medicine, epidemiology, or public health.
• Training in applied epidemiology is desirable.
• A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in public health, particularly in epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Significant experience at an international level, particularly in strengthening country capacities for emergency response.
• Experience in facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships for health policy and strategic interventions in emergency settings is essential.
• Desirable experience with United Nations funds and programmes, and a track record in consensus building among diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in a relevant field such as medicine, epidemiology, or public health. Additional training in applied epidemiology is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to address public health challenges effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of work experience relevant to the position, particularly in public health planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities. A significant portion of this experience should be obtained at an international level, demonstrating the ability to work in diverse and challenging environments. Experience in strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters, is essential. Familiarity with multi-sectoral partnerships for health policy and strategic interventions in emergency preparedness is also required.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English in writing, reading, and speaking is essential for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 92,731, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments. The organization promotes a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco.