WHE Team Lead

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) aims to help countries and coordinate international action to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. This role is situated within the WHO Representative's Office in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to lead WHO's emergency response programme at the national or subnational level in the Syrian Arab Republic. The incumbent will advise the Ministry of Health on strengthening emergency management systems and operations centers, coordinate the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for emergency response, and oversee national medical stockpiles. This position is crucial for ensuring a concerted WHO approach to emergency information management, preparedness, risk assessment, and infectious hazard management, thereby strengthening the country's capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies effectively.

Responsibilities

Lead WHO's national/subnational emergency response programme. Advise the Ministry of Health on establishing/strengthening Emergency Management Systems/Operation Centers, including staffing and resources, and support regular system testing. Coordinate the development and use of Standard Operating Procedures for IMS functions and field activities to manage priority risks like surveillance, rapid response, and vaccination. Oversee the management and distribution of national medical stockpiles. Coordinate all country-level emergency programme aspects, ensuring WHO's concerted approach to information management, preparedness, International Health Regulations, risk assessments, and infectious hazard management. Support national/local health authorities and partners in strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities, assessing health risks and needs, developing national Health Emergency Response Plans, and mobilizing resources. Represent WHO to external stakeholders, including donors and partners, and coordinate with other agencies and NGOs. Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of WHO's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery strategies, including managing sensitive issues. Oversee the development of work plans and budgets for priority activities and ensure access to contingency funds. Determine staffing needs, manage human resources, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of responders. Authorize the release of information and provide briefings on preparedness and response activities. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of national and international experience in multi-sectoral coordination, strengthening country capacities, and responding to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks and complex emergencies. Experience coordinating operational preparedness and response activities with various actors is required. Desirable: Experience with WHO, UN agencies, health cluster partners, or relevant non-governmental/humanitarian organizations.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of rapid response operations and public health emergency implementation. Ability to identify and manage difficult situations, lead multidisciplinary teams. Excellent skills in emergency situation assessment, monitoring, analysis, and evaluation. Ability to conceptualize and implement innovative strategies. Comprehensive knowledge of international emergency incident management systems. Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities. Strong operational competencies in managing humanitarian program cycles, including human and financial resources.

Explore related opportunities