Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) operates within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). This role supports the strengthening of national capacity for emergency preparedness and readiness, contributing to national health security and alignment with International Health Regulations (IHR).
Job Purpose
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer's primary purpose is to bolster the Democratic Republic of the Congo's capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies. This involves providing crucial technical support to national health authorities and partners, assessing risks and capacities, and developing, implementing, and monitoring national preparedness plans. The role is instrumental in building and sustaining essential capacities to ensure the country is better equipped to handle public health emergencies, adhering to WHO standards and IHR requirements, thereby enhancing overall health security.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include monitoring the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) and its evaluation frameworks, such as SPAR and JEE. The role involves supporting the rollout of the One Health approach and collaborating on Pandemic Fund proposals and grant implementation. Providing technical guidance to the Ministry of Health on risk assessment, contingency planning, and emergency management structures is essential. This includes designing and evaluating early warning systems and rapid response frameworks, acting as a technical liaison for stakeholder coordination, and organizing specialized public health trainings for local teams. The officer will also drive national capacity strengthening for preparedness and response, and enhance the rapid detection and verification of outbreaks and public health threats, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant national and international experience in public health emergency preparedness or health sector coordination, with a focus on managing outbreaks and health emergencies, is required. Experience in capacity building and fostering collaborative partnerships is also essential. Desirable experience includes working with WHO, UN agencies, or humanitarian organizations, as well as expertise in programme planning, project management, monitoring, and resource mobilization in emergency settings.
Skills
Proficiency in public health programming with a focus on emergency preparedness, risk factors, and health systems. Demonstrated experience in operational management of health aspects of humanitarian crises and outbreaks. Skills in capacity building, proposal and report writing, needs assessment, strategic information analysis, and planning. Managerial skills for technical cooperation programs and activities. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Fluency in French and intermediate English are essential.