National Consultant / Experts – Emergency Preparedness and Response Including IHR

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Consultant / Experts – Emergency Preparedness and Response Including IHR
Location: Dhaka
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date:

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 has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO operates in various regions to address global health challenges, including disease outbreaks, health emergencies, and health system strengthening. The organization collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance health outcomes worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical support to the government of Bangladesh in various areas related to health emergencies and public health. The consultant will be expected to enhance the country's readiness and response capabilities to mitigate public health risks during emergencies. This includes developing guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), participating in health cluster activities, conducting rapid risk assessments, and facilitating the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR). The consultant will also be responsible for providing up-to-date health information and data analysis to support policy-making and decision-making processes. The role requires collaboration with national health officials and partner organizations to ensure effective outbreak detection and response, as well as the management of infectious hazards. The consultant will also support antimicrobial resistance surveillance and reporting, disaster management, environmental health initiatives, and climate change-related health activities. Overall, the position demands a comprehensive understanding of public health systems and the ability to work in a multisectoral environment to address health emergencies effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide support for public health emergency preparedness and response, including the development of guidelines and SOPs.
• Participate in Incident Management Support and Health cluster activities, promoting multisectoral collaboration.
• Conduct rapid risk assessments and facilitate UN coordination mechanisms.
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of IHR core capacity strategies.
• Facilitate the provision of health information, data analysis, and interpretation for policy-making.
• Provide technical oversight for the surveillance and management of infectious diseases.
• Offer operational support for outbreak detection and response in collaboration with national health officials.
• Develop and implement evidence-based policies for infectious hazard management.
• Coordinate antimicrobial resistance surveillance and reporting. 1
• Support pandemic preparedness activities and enhance laboratory infrastructure. 1
• Implement disaster risk reduction and emergency risk management strategies. 1
• Liaise with relevant ministries and stakeholders for information management. 1
• Monitor procurement of emergency drugs and medical supplies. 1
• Support environmental health initiatives and promote innovative activities in the sector. 1
• Facilitate climate change and health activities, including vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans. 1
• Provide support for water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. 1
• Develop and operationalize risk communication plans and community engagement strategies. 1
• Support workforce development through training and capacity-building activities. 1
• Adapt and implement technical guidelines for health emergency activities.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first degree or medical degree in public health or relevant disciplines such as epidemiology, statistics, or medical virology from an accredited institution. For higher grade levels, an advanced degree in public health or related fields is required. Desirable qualifications include additional training in communicable diseases or global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. Candidates must demonstrate proven ability to lead in their area of expertise, possess excellent communication skills, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. Skills in training and facilitation are also essential, along with knowledge of working with multilateral organizations, preferably WHO.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed a first degree or medical degree in public health or relevant disciplines from an accredited institution. For higher-level positions, an advanced degree in public health or related fields is required. Additional specialized training in communicable diseases or global health security is desirable.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by grade: NO-A requires 2 to 5 years, NO-B requires 5 to 10 years, NO-C requires more than 10 years, and NO-D requires more than 15 years of relevant experience in public health systems functions. Essential experience includes public health surveillance, outbreak investigation, and management in humanitarian settings. Experience in planning and implementing health security measures and working with inter-agency mechanisms for health emergencies is also required. Previous experience with UN organizations or recognized humanitarian organizations is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and may involve travel to other locations within the country. The expected duration of the contract ranges from 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on the actual requirements. The remuneration varies by grade level, with daily pay bands ranging from BDT 17,639 to BDT 58,322, and monthly pay bands ranging from BDT 352,781 to BDT 1,166,43

• The actual remuneration will be determined based on the terms of reference and the candidate's qualifications and experience. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.