WHO Health Emergency Lead
Organizational Context
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme in Somalia coordinates national actions to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies. It aims to build essential public health functions and resilient health systems to achieve universal health coverage within the country.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme at the country level in Somalia. The incumbent will provide expert technical guidance to national authorities to enhance their capacity in preparedness and response to various health emergencies, including infectious diseases and all-hazard events. The position involves guiding WHO's approach to emergency risk management, country preparedness, International Health Regulations, risk assessments, and infectious hazard management, ensuring a concerted effort across relevant sectors.
Responsibilities
The Health Emergency Lead will coordinate national actions for emergency preparedness and response, working closely with technical focal points and under the guidance of the WHO country office head. Key duties include providing expert technical guidance to national authorities, enhancing national capabilities for responding to outbreaks and health emergencies, and ensuring WHO's coordinated approach to emergency risk management and International Health Regulations. This involves collaborating with ministries and stakeholders to conduct gap analyses, develop national strategies and response plans, assess health risks and vulnerable populations, and lead resource mobilization efforts. The role also includes overseeing capacity building and training, advising on emergency health care systems, leading knowledge capture and dissemination, and representing WHO in inter-agency and external forums.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in public health, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities is required, with a significant portion gained internationally. Experience in strengthening country capacities for emergency response, including infectious disease outbreaks and complex emergencies, is essential. Experience in facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships for health policy and interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, particularly in developing countries, is also required. Experience with UN funds and programmes and a track record in consensus building are desirable.
Skills
Mastery of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response principles and programmes. Thorough knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR). Skills in developing and coordinating health policy, strategic, and operational interventions for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Technical expertise in health systems planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams and projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills for reports and technical documents.