National Professional Officer, Environmental Health & Climate Change

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The incumbent will support the provision of technical and managerial expertise to develop, strengthen and implement policies and programmes of activities designed to strengthen national, public-health capacity in Environment, Climate Change and Health (CCH). The NPO will provide technical support for the implementation of the identified activities in close coordination with the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) Pacific Climate Change and Environment team, and WHO Solomon Islands’ country team, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Solomon Islands, key governmental technical staff, partners, and beneficiaries, with a particular focus on assisting stakeholder engagement for the implementation of project activities, leading close monitoring of project timelines, and contributing to technical reports.
S/he will mobilise beneficiaries and facilitate / guide implementation of project activities. The incumbent will use For the Future, EB Decision on Health, Environment and Climate Change, WPRO Framework for Action on Health and Environment on a Changing Planet, Pacific Islands Action Plan on Climate Change and Health, WHO Policies, Rules and Regulations, as guiding resources, as well as any other relevant climate change and health resources as needed.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the context of the Pacific Climate Change and Environment (PCE) and guided by the Pacific Island Countries and Areas WHO Cooperation Strategy and as per the WHO’s General Programme of Work (GPW), the NPO, Climate Change and Health will provide technical and national coordination support for the implementation of “Building Resilience of Health Systems in Pacific Island Least Developed Countries to Climate Change” funded by the Global Environment Facility, through a coordinated, inter sectoral approach in accordance with the country cooperation strategy that aligns with WHO global and regional commitments.

The incumbent will perform the following:

• Coordinate day-to-day operational aspects in the implementation of the GEF project on Building Resilience of Health Systems in Pacific Islands Least Developed Countries to Climate Change in Solomon Islands ensuring smooth implementation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
• Support all project activities implemented at national level, analyse information on best practices, report findings to the concerned officers, and assist the WHO Country Representative and country focal point in the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
• Technically assist in the monitoring of work plans and budgets, including resources mobilized for the work programme following up on the implementation of planned activities. Provide technical support in monitoring work plans and budgets, ensure project activities at national, sub-national, and community-levels are within the scope of the development plans allowing for timely implementation and efficient use of resources, in coordination with MHMS and other relevant stakeholders.
• Attend regular meetings, report on country-level activities, and facilitate communication with WHO project management, the Environmental Health Division in MHMS the Project Technical Working Group and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain partnerships and networks to strengthen multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration to combat communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in the country. Collect data and maintain comprehensive operational information on partners activities in Solomon Islands including NGOs, government offices, community-based organizations, and civil society.
• Ensure collaboration, and work with international and national partners to improve surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of vector-born and water- and food-borne diseases and their risk factors.
• Technically assist MHMS and its partners in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, strategies and action plans, in line with the global action plans and provide support on implementation of specific project activities, including but not limited to policy review and revision, awareness raising campaigns, trainings, and/or assessments, as needed.
• Utilize understanding of national and subnational cultural norms to inform community outreach activities concerning the extension of health-care networks in coordination with MHMS and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the drafting of monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports, acting as a focal point to the topics of Environment, Climate and Health, describing the status of the implementation of the project activities, highlighting technical, financial, policy challenges and proposing options to solve them.
• Analyse and undertake research on Environment, Climate Change and Health to support the country teams in the development and implementation of multisectoral national plans for the prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Assist in developing and reviewing technical studies carried out in the project sites through field visits and consultation meetings with communities, NGOs, and local government to ensure that accurate information is collected and synthesized.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) in emergencies and public health events in collaboration with MHMS, WHO teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Essential: University degree in public health, geography, environmental sciences/management, environmental engineering, development studies, environmental economics, or another field relevant to the project from a university or institute recognized in the International Association of Universities’ Worldwide Database of Higher Education Institutions, Systems and Credentials (WHED)
Desirable: Qualification in environmental health, environmental sciences, and/or climate change.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ .

Experience
Essential: At least 2 years of relevant experience in programme of project planning/management role with significant experience in the area of environmental health and/or climate change.
Desirable: Experience in working closely with governmental and partner organizations, and report writing. Experience on or exposure to GEF funded projects and its technical and operational requirements is an advantage.

Skills

Knowledge of project and planning and implementation including an understanding of timeline monitoring and risk management.
Field experience and understanding of Solomon Islands, including sustainable livelihoods issues.
Proficiency in conducting public health, environmental health, or climate change related assessments, working with health information / surveillance systems and/or data platforms, and facilitating training exercises is an advantage.
Strong organizational skills and results management.
Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team and maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.

WHO Competencies Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Strong written and spoken English and the local language.

Remuneration

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at SBD 215,756 (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. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/.
• Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• 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.
• Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
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• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
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• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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