National Professional Officer (Environmental Health)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Professional Officer (Environmental Health)
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 achieve the highest attainable standard of health for all people, emphasizing the importance of universal health coverage and addressing social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Environmental Health) position at WHO India Country Office focuses on improving health and quality of life through environmental health initiatives. The incumbent will collaborate with national authorities to enhance access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, while also addressing air quality and climate change impacts on health. This role involves providing technical support for planning, monitoring, and evaluating environmental health interventions, and developing national strategies in collaboration with various ministries and stakeholders. The officer will also be responsible for capacity-building efforts and promoting research in environmental health areas, ensuring that WHO's policies and guidelines are effectively implemented in the Indian context.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the country in planning, monitoring, and evaluating environmental health interventions, focusing on safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, air quality, and waste management.
• Collaborate with partners to develop national strategies and institutional capacities for primary prevention interventions related to environmental health.
• Support the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in developing strategies on environmental health, water and sanitation, air pollution, and climate change.
• Formulate, evaluate, and oversee technical support for national and state environmental health programs.
• Advise on climate change impacts on health, environmental epidemiology, and waste management.
• Prepare work plans, budgets, and monitor progress of environmental health initiatives.
• Assist in designing and implementing water and air quality monitoring and surveillance systems.
• Build capacity among national program managers for safe water, sanitation, and waste management.
• Liaise with national counterparts and collaborate with WHO regional and headquarters teams. 1
• Promote studies and research on environmental health issues and disseminate findings to stakeholders. 1
• Coordinate inter-agency meetings and strengthen collaboration with external agencies. 1
• Prepare technical reports and perform other duties as assigned by WHO leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• University Degree in environmental sciences, water and sanitation, or environmental engineering from a recognized university.
• Postgraduate degree or training in Public Health or a related field is desirable.
• Thorough knowledge of the situation in India regarding environmental health and development.
• Very good understanding of WHO policies, programs, and guidelines.
• Strong technical and policy advisory skills based on evidence.
• Leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in teams at national and international levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to present technical issues clearly.
• Proficiency in computer applications and report drafting.

Educational Background:
Essential: A university degree in environmental sciences such as water and sanitation or environmental engineering from a recognized institution. Desirable: A postgraduate degree or training in Public Health or a related field, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform in this role effectively.

Experience:
Essential: At least five (5) years of experience in Public Health, Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Management programs at the national level. Desirable: Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies, particularly in emergency program management at the national level, which would provide valuable insights and skills for this position.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Hindi is required for effective communication and reporting. Desirable: Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of India will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at INR 4,196,335, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process.