Mission and objectives
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
Working with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices, WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to achieve better health for everyone, everywhere. Together they strive to combat diseases – communicable diseases like influenza and HIV, and noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. They help mothers and children survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age. We ensure the safety of the air people breathe.
Context
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) guides the organization’s work in preparing for, detecting, and responding to health emergencies globally. In Somalia, WHO plays a dual role: providing direct technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and leading the Health Cluster to coordinate hundreds of health partners. Due to chronic vulnerabilities from climate-driven crises (floods, droughts) and epidemic outbreaks (Cholera, Measles, cVDPV, Diphtheria), the WHO Somalia Country Office requires a dedicated UNV Health Sector Emergency Preparedness Officer. This specialist will support the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), scale up sub-national Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and bridge the gap between early warning alerts and collective health actions.
Task description
- Support the Federal and State Ministries of Health and National Institute of Health in assessing and monitoring core national capacities for emergency preparedness in line with the International Health Regulations.
- Monitor alerts coming through the Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN) and support required actions.
- Facilitate the all hazard planning and operationalization, in collaboration with the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), National institute of Health (NIH) and the Ministries of Health Emergency directorates
- Lead rapid multi-sector public health risk assessments in newly accessible or climate-affected areas and to draft targeted response profiles.
- Facilitate regular Tabletop Exercises (TTX) and functional simulation drills to test readiness for sudden-onset crises.
- Manage and continuously update WHO’s contingency stocks, prepositioning plans, and distribution pipelines for emergency supplies
- Support the integration of Emergency preparedness activities for health with other sectors particularly nutrition, food safety, water and sanitation.
- Facilitate one health activities in Somalia
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 - 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
- English, Level: Fluent, Required
- Arabic, Level: Basic, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Disaster Management, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, or a related field.
Desirable: Master’s degree in public health (MPH), Health Policy, or Health Systems Management.
Competencies and values
- Communicating in a credible and effective way
- Producing results
- Fostering integration and teamwork
- Moving forward in a changing environment
- Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences
Skills and experience
- At least 3 years of professional experience in public health emergencies, disaster management, or international humanitarian response.
- Desirable: Direct field experience with WHO or another UN agency in a complex emergency setting (Grade 2 or Grade 3 emergency environment). Proven familiarity with the WHO Incident Management System (IMS) is a distinct advantage.
Area(s) of expertise
Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Public health, immunisation
Driving license
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Somalia is a non-family duty station with a complex but rewarding humanitarian environment. Security conditions vary across locations and require strict adherence to UN security measures and movement protocols. The country has a tropical climate, with rainy seasons from April to June and October to December. International access is available through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Baidoa airports, served by commercial and UN flights. Paid accommodation is available in secure UN-approved compounds and hotels, generally providing meals, laundry, internet, and basic recreational facilities. Food, bottled water, telecommunications, and banking services are available in major duty stations, while medical support is provided through UN and private medical facilities. The US Dollar is widely accepted. Somalia is a predominantly Muslim and culturally conservative country. Respect for local customs, modest dress, and sensitivity to cultural norms are expected. Somalia is a unique country and a distinctive humanitarian operation. It offers a professionally enriching experience while requiring cultural awareness, resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions. Adaptability and commitment are essential for a successful assignment.
You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
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