National Professional Officer (Emergency Health)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Professional Officer (Emergency Health)
Location: Suva
Country: Fiji
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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses, particularly in emergencies and communicable diseases. The organization aims to build the capacity of member states to manage health emergency risks and lead international responses when national capacities are overwhelmed.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Emergency Health) position is integral to the Pacific Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Communicable Diseases unit within WHO. The incumbent will work closely with national authorities and WHO's Health Emergencies Programme to enhance the country's preparedness and response capabilities for emerging infectious diseases and health emergencies. This role involves providing technical assistance, supporting the development of national strategies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to assess health risks and resource needs. The officer will also contribute to the establishment of emergency health care systems and represent WHO in relevant forums, ensuring effective communication and coordination among partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating with technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels; providing technical assistance to national authorities; supporting the development and revision of national health emergency preparedness plans; conducting risk assessments and mapping health risks; advocating for resource mobilization; assessing national capacities and competency development systems; supporting the establishment of emergency health care systems; capturing and disseminating knowledge from interventions; and representing WHO in inter-agency meetings related to health emergencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, epidemiology, or public health. Additionally, training in applied epidemiology is desirable. Experience in public health, particularly in epidemic or emergency preparedness and response activities in developing countries, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of WHO's mandate and goals, as well as experience in health policy and strategic interventions in emergency contexts. Skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems are also required, along with excellent oral and written communication abilities.

Educational Background:
A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) in medicine, epidemiology, or public health is essential for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
A minimum of two years of work experience in public health is required, preferably in epidemic or emergency preparedness and response activities at the national level in a developing country. Experience in building partnerships for health policy and strategic interventions in emergency contexts is also essential. Desirable experience includes activities aimed at strengthening country capacities and responses to health emergencies and disasters.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of the English language is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, and only Fiji nationals are eligible to apply. The position offers an annual base salary starting at FJD 103,364, along with 30 days of annual leave. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a background verification will be conducted for final candidates. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.