Health Emergency Preparedness Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN specialized agency focused on international public health, working with 194 Member States to combat diseases and improve health outcomes globally. In Somalia, WHO provides technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Health and leads the Health Cluster. The country faces chronic vulnerabilities from climate-driven crises and epidemic outbreaks, necessitating enhanced preparedness.
Job Purpose
The UNV Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will support the WHO Somalia Country Office in strengthening health sector emergency preparedness. This role is crucial due to Somalia's ongoing challenges with climate-related disasters and disease outbreaks. The officer will contribute to implementing International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), scaling up sub-national Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and ensuring effective responses by bridging early warning systems with coordinated health actions. The objective is to enhance the country's capacity to detect, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies.
Responsibilities
The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will support Ministries of Health and the National Institute of Health in assessing and monitoring national capacities for emergency preparedness aligned with International Health Regulations. Responsibilities include monitoring Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN) alerts and initiating required actions. The role involves facilitating all-hazard planning and operationalization with relevant agencies, and leading rapid multi-sector public health risk assessments in affected areas to develop targeted response profiles. Additionally, the officer will organize and facilitate simulation drills to test crisis readiness, manage WHO's contingency stocks and distribution plans, and support the integration of health emergency preparedness with other sectors like nutrition and water. Facilitating One Health activities in Somalia is also a key duty.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in public health emergencies, disaster management, or international humanitarian response is required. Direct field experience with WHO or another UN agency in a complex emergency setting is highly desirable. Familiarity with the WHO Incident Management System (IMS) is also advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include effective communication, results-orientation, fostering teamwork, adaptability in a changing environment, and respecting individual and cultural differences. Technical skills in emergency preparedness, crisis response, public health, and immunization are essential.