Vacancy as Regional Advisor in WHO : Emergency Risk Management

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WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Post: Regional Adviser (Emergency Risk Management)

Objectives of the Programme : The ERM programme globally aims to:

1. Provide technical assistance and policy advice to support Member States in strengthening national capacities in order to reduce risks to health from natural disasters, conflicts and other humanitarian emergencies, and in responding to such emergencies and disasters.
2. Implement a rigourous programme of institutional readiness for responding to any humanitarian emergencies, including from natural disasters and conflict, which is aligned with the work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Transformative agenda and the Health cluster approach.
3. Lead partners in countries with complex protracted emergencies in developing coordinated and evidence-based health sector response plans, which are outlined in the health component of intersectoral country-level strategic response plans.
4. Support networks which WHO leads globally (e.g. Global health cluster)
5. Support all activities that are needed in order to implement these life-saving response operations are included in emergency work plans under the programme area on outbreak and crisis response.

In the region, the programme aims to translate the global goals by developing and implementing regional strategies and national policies in line with identified SEAR Benchmarks for emergency Preparedness and Response; Coordinate and develop networks and partnerships in Emergency and Humanitarian Action (EHA); Address roll out of UN Humanitarian reform of a cluster approach including coordination for a flexible funding for emergencies. Coordinate to implement necessary elements in support of implementing the WHO Emergency Risk Management/Response Framework.

Description of duties:

The incumbent is expected to perform the following duties, in close collaboration with and under overall guidance and supervision of the Director, Health Security & Emergency Response (HSE).

Risk Analyses:

1. Support countries in conducting risk and capacity assessments and lead in analyzing these with other relevant public health emergency and health systems information;

Capacity development:

2. Coordinate activities in member countries in achieving the identified SEAR benchmarks on emergency preparedness and response and other relevant risk/capacity analyses findings.

3. Liaise with Emergency focal points and other development partners for capacity building of member countries, through various mechanisms (eg, governments, civil societies, WHOCCs, intergovernmental bodies, international frameworks) in the field of emergency risk management in the health sector through multi-sectoral, multidisciplinary and all-hazard approaches;

4. Collaborate with various technical units in the development of stronger capacities in health systems by incorporating risk management perspectives/initiatives in key public health areas;

Information Management:

5. Coordinate efforts in developing further the South East Asia Disaster Health Information Network (SEADHIN) as an information hub and a base for disaster health information in the region;

6. Collaborate with partners in the organizing research initiatives and activities for emergency risk management in health;

Surge Coordination and Response:

7. Support coordination in the establishment and maintenance of national and regional operational capacity for rapid response for the health sector for various crises according to global standards and mechanisms;

8. Support achievement of organizational/institutional capacities necessary to implement the WHO Emergency Risk Management/Response Framework through a capacity development framework for staff in RO and COs that will address the need for technical, administrative and managerial updates as appropriate to staff concerned;

9. Coordinate development/ and support in launching of technical/ operational capacities of countries in responding appropriately through key actions such as: a) conducting health assessments, b) coordinating health action, c) filling in gaps, d) capacity building, e) providing guidance and monitoring performance of humanitarian action on the health aspects; in various crises;

10. Manage the surge response capacities in the region which includes : a) the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF); b) the regional stockpiles in New Delhi and Bangkok; and c) human and technical resources;

Others:

11. Manage and oversee the work/staff of EHA/SEARO and EHA technical officers/focal points in countries, and

12. Perform other related duties, as required.

Education: Essential: Degree in medicine or other health science and advanced degree in public health from a recognized university.

Desirable: WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution.

Skills: Functional Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of and field experience in managing emergency prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response programmes at national and sub-national level, knowledge and experience of managing health development programmes in a multi-sectoral context; proven skills in project planning, organization, personnel management, negotiation, data analysis and information dissemination; proven skill in designing and running training programmes, experience in negotiating with donors with mobilizing funds for emergencies and running training programmes. Knowledge of policy and practice of the UN system, donor and NGOs in humanitarian assistance desirable.

Competencies:

1) Teamwork

2) Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

3) Communication

4) Ensuring effective use of resources

5) Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Other Skills (e.g. IT): Computing skills, database, spreadsheet and statistical analysis programmes.

Experience: Essential: At least 10 years of relevant experience including considerable experience obtained in an international context, in emergency risk management in the health sector, liaison with government, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations; capacity development initiatives in the area of emergency risk management. Experience in development of guidelines, policies and strategies for emergency risk management in health.

Desirable: Extensive experience in international programme on emergency preparedness and response.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of other UN official languages an asset.

Additional Information: WHO's salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a base salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.

Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 81,704 at single rate; USD 87,948 with primary dependants

Additional Information: Experience: Min. 10 Years

Location: New Delhi

Industry Type: Pharma/ Biotech/Clinical Research

Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment

Duration of contract: Two years

Vacancy Notice No: SE/RO/P/2015/FT32

End Date: 8th October, 2015

Here is the Official Notification

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Regards,

Deepak Kumar Bandari,

Pharm.D Intern,

Vaagdevi College of Pharmacy - India

Elsevier Student Ambassador - South Asia