WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV

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1. Background and Justification

The International Health Regulations (2005) provide the legal framework for global health security. WHO‑AFRO supports Member States in strengthening IHR core capacities, ensuring timely notification of public health events, and coordinating preparedness and response measures. To reinforce the Secretariat’s operational capacity, WHO‑AFRO seeks to recruit a Support Staff member to assist the IHR Contact Point in implementing Secretariat functions, including communication, coordination, and technical support to Member States.

2. Purpose of the Position

The incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to the WHO‑AFRO IHR Secretariat, tracking communication with IHR National Focal Points (NFPs), supporting reporting processes, and assisting in the development and dissemination of guidance and tools. The role will strengthen the Secretariat’s ability to deliver on its mandate of supporting Member States in IHR implementation and emergency preparedness.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The support staff will work under the direct supervision of the WHO-IHR Contact Point to carry out the following activities:

• Support the IHR Secretariat in maintaining updated databases of IHR National Focal Points, National IHR Authorities (NIAs) and regional experts.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefing notes, and technical documents for the Secretariat.
• Assist in tracking 24/7 communication between WHO‑AFRO and Member States on IHR‑related notifications through the @afroihr@who.int
• Provide technical and administrative input to capacity‑building activities for IHR NFPs, including workshops, training, and simulation exercises.
• Assist in tracking implementation of IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
• Assist in monitoring IHR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and compiling feedback for Member States.
• Support with the tracking of the Framework for the Implementation of the 2024 amendments to IHR 2005
• Perform other duties as assigned by the IHR Contact Point.

4. Recruitment Profile

Education

• Essential : Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution.
• Desirable: Medical degree with specialized training in IHR, health emergency preparedness, or response.

Experience

• Essential : Minimum of 3years’ experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or related field.
• Desirable: Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental organizations, with familiarity in regional health security networks. Previous work experience with Ministries of Health (MOH) or National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) in the area of IHR would be considered desirable.

Languages

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English and French (read, write, speak).
• Desirable: Proficiency in Portuguese (read, write, speak).

Functional Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in IHR processes and emergency preparedness.
• Strong drafting and communication skills, with ability to produce clear technical and scientific reports.
• Proven ability to work in multicultural environments with diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.
• Proficiency in Excel and AI tools

5. Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results

6. Expected Deliverables

• Updated and verified IHR NFP and NIA database for the African Region (WHO-AFRO).
• Regular Secretariat reports on Member States’ IHR capacity strengthening progress.
• Contributions to regional workshops, training sessions, action reviews and simulation exercises.