Health Emergency Programme Coordinator

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Position Title: Health Emergency Programme Coordinator
Location: Yangon
Country: Myanmar
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 collaborates with governments and other partners to address global health challenges and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Health Emergency Programme Coordinator will play a crucial role in enhancing Myanmar's national capabilities in preparedness and response to health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks. This position involves providing expert technical guidance to national authorities and coordinating the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme at the country level. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders to develop and implement national health policies and strategies, ensuring alignment with WHO's objectives. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of emergency risk management, International Health Regulations, and the ability to assess and address health risks effectively. The coordinator will also lead the development of national strategies for health emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that the health system is equipped to handle various emergencies. This position demands a high level of expertise in public health, strategic planning, and the ability to mobilize resources for health sector risk reduction and preparedness.

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 on emergency preparedness and response to health emergencies.
• Lead the development and revision of national health emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Conduct gap analyses in emergency preparedness and management areas.
• Prepare national risk profiles and assess existing and emerging health risks.
• Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health sector risk reduction.
• Advocate for and mobilize resources from partners and donors.
• Assess national capacities and recommend training measures for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations.
• Advise national health authorities on establishing emergency health care systems. 1
• Capture and disseminate knowledge from policy and field interventions. 1
• Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings related to health emergencies.

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.
• Experience in strengthening country capacities for emergency response, including infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
• Proven ability to facilitate multi-sectoral partnerships for health policy and strategic interventions in emergency preparedness and recovery.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess 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 an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to address public health challenges effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of work experience relevant to public health, particularly in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities. A significant portion of this experience should have been obtained at an international level, demonstrating the candidate's ability to work in diverse and challenging environments. Experience in strengthening country capacities and facilitating partnerships for health policy interventions is essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages is desirable, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners in the region.

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 their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment. The WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.