Technical Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) aims to build Member State capacity to manage health emergency risks. This role, within the AF/EPR Emergency Preparedness and Response department in Nairobi, Kenya, focuses on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP). The Technical Officer leads a team supporting member states in strengthening influenza detection and monitoring capabilities through laboratory and epidemiological surveillance.

Job Purpose

The mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme is to enhance Member States' capacity to manage health emergency risks and coordinate international responses to outbreaks when national capacities are overwhelmed. This role specifically contributes to increasing country capacity to implement International Health Regulations, build resilience, and ensure preparedness for rapid and effective responses to major epidemics and pandemics. The Technical Officer plays a key role in managing and monitoring the implementation of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) projects, ensuring timely execution of activities and effective collaboration across various WHO departments and with member states to strengthen public health security.

Responsibilities

The Technical Officer is responsible for the overall monitoring and implementation of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) projects funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GIRS). This includes overseeing activities in laboratory and surveillance, burden of disease studies, risk communication, regulatory capacity building, and deployment planning across nine countries in the WHO African region. The role involves coordinating with WHO Country Offices, the WHO Regional Office, and WHO Headquarters to ensure project cohesion and effective communication. The incumbent will collaborate with an Award/Grant Manager for administrative and financial oversight, facilitate regional scientific meetings on PIP framework implementation, and ensure timely submission of donor reports. Additionally, the role involves exploring integration with other preparedness programs and collaborating with One Health and laboratory teams to ensure early identification and response to influenza pathogens with pandemic potential.

Work Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience in influenza laboratory work and implementing sentinel surveillance of influenza. Requires high technical competence in influenza surveillance systems, strong writing skills, proven experience managing projects with significant budgets, and experience in multi-partner collaborations. Proven track record in research and scientific publications. Desirable: Experience working in an international organization and in developing countries.

Skills

Project management, operational planning, public health technical knowledge, health security, designing and evaluating work plans, technical report writing, interpersonal skills, negotiation, consultative skills, computer literacy (including Access software), basic programming skills.

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