Manager (Emergency Operations Centre)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Division of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO's operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner.The Programme is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local andnational capabilities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Programme Area Manager, Emergency Operations (EMO), the incumbent plays the lead role in developing and managing the WHO EURO Strategic Health Operations Centre (SHOC).

Assignments involve working as part of the Emergency Operations (EMO) team, to establish and maintain extensive contacts with all EURO WHE teams, WHO HQ, Regional and Country Offices to provide expertise and authoritative advice and promote effective information-sharing between RO, HQ and COs.

The incumbent will act as a focal point with external partners such as UN, regional, international, and national health agencies to promote the “Framework for a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre” , and the role of EOCs in the context of the framework of International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Manage theoperation of the EURO SHOC, including in the development and implementation of operational procedures and structures for managing WHO/EURO response to emergencies.
2. Build and Maintain EURO SHOC capabilities, including to manage any assigned staff to the EURO SHOC; building and managing all EOC systems (hardware and software), critical infrastructure, and implementing new staff support tools. This function will include liaising with WCOs, other regions, headquarters, and Member States EOC structures as needed.
3. Contribute to the development and implementation of operational procedures and structures for efficient managing of response to health emergencies, this involves providing technical advice, building partnerships and liaising with the incident management team, WCOs, other regions, headquarters and Member States EOC structures, as needed.
4. Oversee that the EURO SHOC and IMST personnel have access to orientation and training tools to support their effectiveness during an emergency. This can include specific trainings on WHO IMS systems, plans, procedures, functions and resources available.
5. Contribute to the development of a network of public health emergency operations centres (EOC) in countries including in their establishment and operation of their EOC; elaborate on innovative scenarios and procedures detailing roles and responsibilities together with developing a series of tools, templates, and products in support of the existing structures and procedures. This function will include being one of the focal points for EOC_Network in the WHO European region.
6. Play a key role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of simulation exercises, to train for and validate management of emergencies in a proactive manner, including effective liaison within WHO HQ, Regional and Country Offices, as well as national institutions to promote information-sharing.
7. Coordinate support to Member States on assessing and enhancing Emergency Response Information Management Systems (ERIMS) for Public Health emergency Management (PHEM), including leading assessment missions, providing technical expertise, and facilitating capacity strengthening workshops.
8. Proactively participate in operational support responses to emergencies and event management.
9. Act as a resource on emergency operations' activities for the Regional Emergency Coordinator and Incident Management Support Team, when required.
10. Promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation, including multidisciplinary and cross-cutting approaches to preparing for and managing emergency operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in emergency management, public or business administration, health, information management, computer sciences, or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Professional training in emergency management, events management and/or public health. Post-graduate degree or studies in one of the above fields.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of relevant experience, combined at the national and international levels in supporting emergency operations involving applying public health emergency planning and management systems. Familiarity with WHO ERF and IMS functions, including the role of the EOC/SHOC
Desirable: Prior emergency experience with WHO, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, other UN agencies or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Skills

1. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in operational support responses to epidemics and other public health emergencies and events management.
2. Sound analytical, planning and organizational skills.
3. Ability to work under pressure, obtain results while and adhering to tight deadlines.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills.
5. Tact, diplomacy and courtesy when working in multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another UN language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 75,602 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3030 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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 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.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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