Unit Head (Emerging Zoonoses & High Impact Epidemics)
Organizational Context
The 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 Epidemic and Pandemic Management (EPM) unit within this program focuses on enhancing global health security and mitigating the impact of epidemics and pandemics through strategic leadership and evidence-based guidance.
Job Purpose
This role provides technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support within the Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics Unit. The purpose is to ensure efficient and effective activities in this critical area, developing and updating technical guidance, health policies, and strategies. The position involves overseeing technical teams, managing program objectives, resources, and leading research to enhance capacity building and disseminate best practices in epidemic and pandemic management.
Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership, coordination, and managerial support for the Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics Unit. Develop and update evidence-based technical guidance, policies, and strategies in collaboration with regional and country offices and partners. Oversee technical teams, manage program objectives, financial resources, and work planning. Lead research on best practices and disseminate information for capacity building. Manage monitoring and evaluation, reporting on key performance indicators. Serve as a technical reference point for the peer community, UN agencies, and stakeholders. Liaise with UN agencies, donors, and research institutions to influence global and national policies. Represent the program area in meetings to advocate for emerging diseases and zoonoses. Lead the development and implementation of WHO technical strategies and operational frameworks for emerging zoonotic diseases and high-consequence epidemic threats. Direct global technical assessments, horizon scanning, and risk analysis. Oversee the development of scientific guidance and technical products for outbreak preparedness and response. Coordinate technical networks and expert groups. Provide technical leadership during epidemic and pandemic events. Promote One Health approaches and multisectoral collaboration.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in prevention and control of Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics, including health policy and strategy development. Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources, and at the international level. Desirable: Experience in project management, disease surveillance, and working with international organizations.
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 health partners. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership, Building and promoting partnerships, Creating an empowering and motivating environment.