National Professional Officer (Public Health Surveillance)

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Position Title: National Professional Officer (Public Health Surveillance)
Location: Karachi
Country: Pakistan
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 Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Public Health Surveillance) will work closely with national and provincial health authorities to enhance surveillance and response capabilities for emerging diseases and other high-threat pathogens. The incumbent will coordinate health activities, develop guidelines and tools for effective disease surveillance, and strengthen the capacities of surveillance teams through training. The role involves promoting coordination for rapid assessment and response activities, conducting field visits to evaluate surveillance implementations, and managing emergency response operations for public health crises. The officer will also analyze epidemiological data, disseminate technical information, and monitor public health programs for epidemic disease prevention and control.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate health activities to enhance surveillance and response for emerging diseases and high-threat pathogens at national and provincial levels.
• Co-develop guidelines, tools, and indicators for effective disease surveillance at various levels.
• Develop plans for early detection of health threats from infectious diseases with epidemic and pandemic potentials.
• Strengthen surveillance teams' capacities through training on field investigation, data management, and rapid response.
• Promote effective coordination for rapid assessment and response activities in consultation with health entities and international partners.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess and evaluate surveillance activities, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
• Manage emergency response operations for outbreaks and public health crises.
• Collect and analyze epidemiological data and public health indicators to monitor intervention effectiveness.
• Support the development of WHO Situation Reports and disseminate findings to relevant stakeholders. 1
• Monitor the implementation of public health programs for epidemic disease prevention and control. 1
• Conduct public health risk analysis and develop risk profiles for health threats. 1
• Identify high-risk areas for pathogen transmission using epidemiological data and innovative technology. 1
• Prepare training materials to improve surveillance capacity and response. 1
• Ensure quality disease surveillance and response in coordination with local health authorities. 1
• Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• First level university degree in medicine and/or public health planning and administration, complemented by training in public health/epidemiology/health science.
• Desirable: Master's degree in public health or equivalent, with training on epidemiology and/or outbreak investigation considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Essential: First level university degree in medicine and/or public health planning and administration, complemented by training in public health/epidemiology/health science. Desirable: Master's degree in public health or equivalent. Training on epidemiology and/or outbreak investigation will be an asset.

Experience:
Essential: At least 5 years of experience in public health surveillance with an emphasis on emergency response relief and/or management of epidemic-prone diseases. Desirable: Experience in outbreak investigation and response for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Urdu is required for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Pakistan will be accepted. The remuneration includes an annual base salary starting at PKR 9,257,882, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before undertaking assignments.