VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Organization: World Health Organization
Position: National Professional Officer (Infectious Hazard Management) – (2002637)
Grade: NO-B
Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 24 months
Job Posting: Jul 2, 2020, 1:08:47 PM
Closing Date: Jul 17, 2020, 3:44:00 AM
Primary Location: Nepal-Kathmandu
Organization: SE_NEP WR Office, Nepal
Schedule: Full-time
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and provide surge support during emergency/humanitarian situations to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and emergencies to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) of the Health Emergencies Programme is responsible for establishing risk mitigation strategies and capacities for priority high-threat infectious hazards. This includes developing and supporting prevention and control strategies, tools and capacities for high-threat infectious hazards, establishing and maintaining expert’s networks to detect, understand and manage new or emerging high threat infectious hazards as well as providing secretariat support for the management of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative and theTeam Leader – WHE, and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer – EPO, in close coordination with other members of the WHE team and in collaboration with other teams within WCO Nepal and key external stakeholders, the NPO-IHM will perform the following:
I. Preparedness and Response Interventions at national and subnational level:
1. Support the development, implementation and evaluation of the national strategies and workplans pertaining to the prevention and control of high threat infectious diseases of epidemic & pandemic potential or infectious risks especially Influenza, Antimicrobial Resistance and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to manage infectious hazards, interventions in high-risks groups and recommend measures for special attention, ensuring compliance with global/regional IHM strategies.
2. Support the adaptation of IHM global policies, concepts, tools and strategies and manage their implementation at the country level, for the prevention and, where feasible, elimination of diseases/epidemic risks to improve approaches and methods of controlling epidemics.
3. Provide technical guidance in close coordination with technical units with WCO Nepal and Regional Office for the vaccination campaign, enhanced surveillance, infection control (including personal protection), enhanced sanitation and hygiene, food safety, increased provision of water and/or nutrients, prepositioning of drugs and medical supplies, vector control in emergency/humanitarian settings to prevent or mitigate infectious hazard risks.
4. Contribute to the surveillance and risk analysis of infectious diseases; participate in the Epidemic Rapid Response Team (ERRT) formation and capacity building exercise for the rapid investigation of alerts and rumours, risk assessments, early detection and response through appropriate mechanisms and instruments.
5. Manage the planning, implementation, reporting, documenting, monitoring & evaluation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Project portfolio at country level in line with the global and regional WHO PIP Framework and the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance & Response System (GISRS) Programme.
II. Risk Mitigation and Coordination:
1. Support the strengthening of risk assessment and health information management mechanisms to monitor the prevention, early detection, verification, assessment and investigation of any risks of outbreaks and the dissemination of data related to the occurrence of outbreaks.
2. Promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities with key partners, at the country level, such as OIE, FAO, ICAO to ensure the successful implementation, monitoring and evaluation of capacities in line with IHR (2005) requirements for infectious hazard management.
3. Support the development of technically sound and socio-culturally appropriate partnership strategies to induce, engage and empower stakeholders in the prevention, mitigation and control of infectious hazards and the relevant risks.
4. Support communication mechanisms, the periodic reporting of infectious hazards activities through consultative processes to WHO platforms for development of country and regional profile as required.
5. Assist in engaging with strategic regional partnerships and networks and facilitate the involvement of Experts Networks & Interventions team in developing operational partnership mechanisms at country level for Infectious Hazards Management.
III. Perform any additional duties and discharge any additional responsibilities assigned by the Team Leader – WHE or the WR as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree in medicine or a human health-related field with clinical training.
Desirable: Masters or postgraduate qualification in Community Medicine / Public / International / Global Health or Epidemiology or other related fields.
Experience
Essential: At least 2 years of relevant experience in health sector projects/programmes, including 1 year of experience in managing preparedness and response interventions related to public health emergencies or Infectious Hazard Management.
Desirable: Experience working in emergency setting with relevant experience in the implementation of International Health Regulations (2005). Experience of working in international organizations preferably in WHO / the UN System would be an asset.
Functional Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of infectious disease including Influenza, particularly in infectious disease epidemiology, prevention or control, clinical management and significant practical application of this knowledge in an international context. Proven ability to coordinate with the government, manage projects, build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies. Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure. Knowledge of the UN and humanitarian systems for response and preparedness to public health emergencies. Strong programme management, organization and coordination skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, discretion and diplomacy. Ability to effectively work with government, development partners/donors and collaborating agencies. High level of technical expertise and excellent overall attitude at work. Adapting to change effectively.
Technical expertise: Overall attitude at work are also required mandatory competencies.
WHO Competencies
1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Ensuring the effective use of resources
5. Producing results
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Nepalese.
Desirable:
The above language requirements are interchangeable.
Other Skills (e.g. IT):
Skills in the use of database, statistical and epidemiological analysis software.
Proficiency in the use of office productivity, web and ERP applications.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at NPR 2,870,937 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
