Health Emergency Preparedness Officer

Organizational Context

The WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and stakeholders to support national health policies and plans, focusing on preparedness and response to health emergencies. It strengthens emergency medical relief, including mass gathering event planning, outbreak investigation, and disaster risk management, aligning with global WHO priorities and regional strategies.

Job Purpose

The Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will provide strategic technical support to government offices and the Health Security and Emergency (HSE) team in India, under the direction of the WHO Country Office. This role is crucial for enhancing national capacity in planning, coordinating, and implementing activities related to mass gathering management, public health preparedness, and response to all hazards. The position aims to strengthen emergency operations, support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contribute to the overall resilience of India's health security framework in alignment with WHO's global and regional strategies.

Responsibilities

Support national authorities in planning, coordinating, and implementing activities for mass gathering management, preparedness, and response, including Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meetings, Health Emergency Disaster Risk Management (HEDRM), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) during emergency operations for outbreaks and disasters, adhering to WHO/MoHFW protocols. Develop SOPs for the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (NJORT) for public health events. Support capacity building, standardization of strategies, and planning for national consultations. Assist in designing and implementing initiatives to contextualize WHO strategies and methodologies for national application. Facilitate consultations, training, and capacity-building exercises, including developing IEC materials, training modules, drills, risk assessments, and situation analyses. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum one year of proven experience in public health, specifically in emergency operations for epidemic events, outbreaks, and public health emergencies, with experience at the national or state level. Desirable: Experience working with national governments, UN, or intergovernmental agencies at national and state levels.

Skills

Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Producing results, Moving forward in a changing environment, Proficiency in computer applications, GIS, design, and AI tools, Ability to draft reports and presentations, Excellent written and spoken English, Working knowledge of local language (asset).

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