Health Emergency Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The incumbent will provide technical assistance to the health authorities and other relevant stakeholders, supporting WHO programmes on epidemic and emergency preparedness and response, strengthening national preparedness, response, and core capacities under International Health Regulations (IHR) for emerging infectious diseases. This will contribute to the mission of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE), which is to help countries and coordinate international action to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies. WHO provides guidance and technical support in organizing the humanitarian health response following multi-hazard emergencies and in revitalizing the capacity of the health sector to rebuild and recover from multi-hazard emergencies in an appropriate and sustainable manner.

Description Of Duties

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

• Work in coordination with all technical focal points at the regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office.
• Provide technical assistance to national authorities in, and coordinate selected aspects of, the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore.
• Technically support the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations, risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management.
• Utilize national insights to collaborate with and support relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and support the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan.
• Prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities, and health needs.
• Identify resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable/affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors.
• Support the assessment of capacities and national competency development systems, and recommend, plan, and facilitate the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005) and its revisions, including to manage identified risks, effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes, and the impact of response and recovery interventions.
• Support the national health authorities (MYS, BRU, and SIN) and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services.
• Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.

Required Qualifications

Education
Essential: A university degree (bachelor's) in epidemiology, public health, or another similar medical field.

Desirable: A Doctoral level (PhD) or Masters Degree in Public Health and/or Training in applied epidemiology.

Experience
Essential: A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in public health; planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness response activities in a developing country and/or at regional level; strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, at the national level. Experience in working partnerships for health policy and strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, or recovery, especially in a developing country setting.

Desirable: Experience in or knowledge of WHO mandate and goals and/or experience with United Nations funds and programmes.

Skills

• The principles and programmes of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response.
• Knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR).
• The development and coordination of health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with a range of actors.
• Technical knowledge and skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.
• Excellent oral and writing skills, including for reports, oral presentations, and technical documents.

WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia.

REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at MYR 168,380 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted.

Grade
NO-C

Contractual Arrangement
Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days)
2 years

Job Posting
Jan 11, 2025, 12:00:00 AM

Closing Date
Jan 25, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location
Malaysia-Kuala Lumpur

Organization
WP_MYS Malaysia

Schedule
Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.