Unit Head

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme aims to safeguard global health security by strengthening national capacities for preventing, preparing for, detecting, and responding to health emergencies. The Humanitarian and Disaster Management (HDM) Department specifically coordinates and supports global efforts in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from humanitarian crises and disasters, ensuring health care provision.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support within the Global Health Cluster Unit of the Humanitarian and Disaster Management Department. The purpose is to ensure efficient and effective execution of activities, develop and propose technical health policies and strategies, and advise on the strategic direction for strengthening technical capacities. The role involves managing teams, financial resources, and optimizing program deliverables in line with WHO's mandate, while also contributing to research and dissemination of best practices in emergency health response.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support for the Global Health Cluster Unit. Develop and propose technical health policies and strategies, collaborating with Regional and Country Offices. Oversee technical teams, fostering synergy and efficient workflow. Manage program delivery, including staff, financial resources, and work planning. Lead research on best practices and disseminate findings for capacity building. Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of key performance indicators. Serve as a technical reference point for peers, UN agencies, and stakeholders. Liaise with UN agencies, donors, and research institutions to support program development and implementation. Represent the program area in meetings to advocate for health needs in humanitarian settings. Oversee the development of capacity-building strategies, promote information sharing, track surge capacity, and assess global response needs and gaps.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in managing emergency/humanitarian operations response, including health policies and strategies. Demonstrated experience in managing human and financial resources, interagency collaboration, and at the international level. Desirable: Experience within WHO, UN, IASC, or similar humanitarian organizations; experience in team leadership and management.

Skills

Planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programs; developing and establishing policies and strategies; managing diverse teams and financial resources; resource mobilization; effective and diplomatic communication with external partners; collaboration with key partners.

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