Readiness Officer, Consultant- Band level B

The Readiness Officer will serve as the principal focal point on readiness matters for countries supported by the Nairobi hub (eastern and southern African countries). The incumbent will ensure that affected and at-risk countries have an optimal level of readiness regarding the key functions of the WHO Incident Management System and support preparedness activities including risk assessment and development of preparedness and response plans.

Responsibilities

• Support the effective implementation of WHO strategies for country readiness in countries in East and Southern Africa.
• Contribute in the development or adaptation of tools for country readiness assessment and for countries’ readiness plans.
• Establish a baseline of readiness on the critical functions of the IMS (Leadership, partner coordination, information and planning, specific technical expertise, operations support and logistics, finance and administration) in countries at risk of public health and major humanitarian emergencies in the sub-region covered by the hub.
• Support countries in assessing and strengthening their readiness in implementing the Incident Management system in response to crises.
• Ensure the proper mobilization of relevant partners for ensuring a collective and effective readiness process of the critical functions of the IMS in the countries covered by the hub.
• Seek opportunities to expand and strengthen existing partnerships on readiness, especially through the development of new partnerships in the hub.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including surge to countries during emergencies or backstopping for other WHE colleagues in the Hub and at regional office as required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public health and/or other related field from a recognized university.
• Training or experience in public health emergency and partners’ coordination (desirable).
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at national and international levels in public health emergency management.
• Work experience with WHO or other UN agencies in emergency management would be an asset (desirable).
• Relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness and response.
• Sound technical expertise and experience in risk assessment in the health sector.
• Knowledge of WHO risk assessment tools will be an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of English and French.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Skills

• Public Health Emergency Management
• Emergency Preparedness
• Emergency Response
• Risk Assessment
• Partners Coordination
• WHO Incident Management System
• Public Health
• WHO Risk Assessment Tools
• International Health Experience
• National Public Health Experience

Languages

English, French