Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Burkina Faso operates under the Health Emergencies Programme, coordinating international efforts for disease outbreak prevention, preparedness, detection, rapid response, and recovery. This role is situated within the WHO Country Office, contributing to national health security initiatives.

Job Purpose

The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Officer will provide expert advice on national strategies for preventing and controlling diseases with pandemic or epidemic potential. This includes developing, implementing, and evaluating these strategies, ensuring alignment with WHO standards. The role involves close collaboration with regional and headquarters teams to monitor disease outbreaks, assess risks, and manage health information. A key aspect is adapting IHM policies and tools for country-level implementation, working with partners to enhance epidemic control methods and ensure effective risk communication.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include advising on national strategies for preventing and controlling high-threat diseases, monitoring and investigating outbreaks, and adapting IHM policies for country-level implementation. The officer will collaborate with partners to improve epidemic control and manage risk communication. This involves contributing to disease surveillance, participating in rapid response teams, and providing technical assistance on vaccination, infection control, sanitation, hygiene, and vector control. The role also includes preparing periodic reports, supporting health information systems, and liaising with technical experts and country office representatives as needed.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years of national professional experience in planning, developing, and implementing infectious disease control programs, including outbreak prevention/control and management of hazardous pathogens. Experience with inter-agency mechanisms for health emergency coordination is required. Desirable: Experience with WHO or other UN agencies, NGOs, or humanitarian organizations, particularly in developing countries.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases, public health approaches, epidemiology, and clinical management. Proven ability to coordinate projects, build partnerships, develop clear strategies, and manage multiple tasks under pressure. Expertise in French is essential, with intermediate knowledge of English being desirable.

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