SSA - Climate Informed Early Warning And Response System (CI-Ewars)

Organizational Context

Vanuatu is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events, which threaten health and livelihoods. The GEF LDCF project aims to build health system resilience. WHO supports Vanuatu in integrating climate risks into health interventions, developing a climate-informed early warning and response system (CI-EWARS) to strengthen surveillance for climate-sensitive health outcomes.

Job Purpose

The role supports the design and development of a climate-informed health early warning and response system (CI-EWARS) in Vanuatu. This involves leading project outcome 2 activities, coordinating with WHO and international consultants, and ensuring the integration of climate and meteorological data into the health information system. The objective is to enhance the national health surveillance system for timely detection and response to climate-sensitive diseases, thereby strengthening the country's resilience to climate change-related health risks and improving health outcomes for its population.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the review and stocktake of existing health and meteorological data systems, mapping health information systems, and evaluating reporting channels for climate-sensitive diseases. The role involves facilitating stakeholder meetings, providing insights on priority diseases, and supporting the customization of the CI-EWARS architecture. Additionally, responsibilities include facilitating the procurement and installation of necessary ICT equipment, assisting in organizing training workshops, developing training materials, and providing continuous technical support for the operationalization of the CI-EWARS. The role also entails preparing EWARS bulletins and contributing to the final project report with sustainability recommendations.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 2 years of experience in public health information systems or climate information systems. Experience working with government ministries, health facilities, or meteorological agencies is required. Desirable: Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating health early warning systems, disease surveillance programs, or health information systems, particularly with WHO/UN or similar organizations, is advantageous.

Skills

Strong coordination and facilitation skills. Ability to compile and analyze health or climate data. Experience in training and capacity building. Good communication and report writing skills. Teamwork and collaboration. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences. Communicating credibly and effectively. Producing results.

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