1. Background and Justification

*  Purpose of the Position
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the country level, the incumbent will provide technical, operational and coordination support on all aspects related to leadership and coordination for outbreak response.
Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objectives
The mission of the Division of Health Emergencies is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and 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 and national capabilities.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization)

The incumbent, serving as the technical focal point for cholera response at the sub-national level, will report directly to the Incident Manager, under the overall guidance of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Lead at the WHO Country Office. This role emphasizes strong leadership and multisectoral coordination, requiring the officer to work collaboratively with relevant technical teams and partners to ensure a cohesive and integrated response to cholera outbreaks across South Sudan. The officer will oversee coordination across key sectors such as health, water and sanitation, nutrition, and community engagement, with the goal of managing outbreaks effectively and minimizing fatalities. In addition to strategic coordination, the officer will provide on-the-ground support by traveling to outbreak hotspots, enhancing local coordination efforts, particularly in newly affected areas requiring immediate intervention. Through the establishment of Technical Working Groups (TWGs), the officer will ensure that local stakeholders are equipped with the necessary tools and guidance for effective cholera response. This proactive approach not only strengthens the immediate response but also contributes to building long-term community resilience in the face of recurring health challenges.

Summary of Assigned Duties
During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.

1.   Coordination of Response Efforts:

• Lead collaboration among governmental bodies, NGOs, UN agencies, and community organizations to ensure a unified cholera response.
• Organize regular coordination meetings to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure effective multisectoral integration in response efforts.

2.  Data Management and Reporting:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret epidemiological data related to cholera incidence and assess the effectiveness of response measures.
• Prepare detailed reports on the cholera outbreak status and response activities for submission to the Cholera Incident Manager, ensuring timely updates.

3. Capacity Building:

• Identify training needs for health workers and community volunteers involved in cholera prevention and treatment.
• Develop training materials and organize workshops to strengthen local capacity in managing cholera outbreaks.

4.  Community Engagement:

• Lead the design and implementation of community awareness campaigns focused on cholera prevention, including hygiene practices and safe water usage.
• Foster collaboration with local leaders to ensure community participation and ownership in cholera prevention efforts.

5.   Resource Mobilization:

• Identify resource gaps in the cholera response and work closely with partners to mobilize necessary resources for effective response.
• Assist in the development of funding proposals to secure additional support from international donors, ensuring sustained resources for ongoing efforts.

6. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

 

2. Recruitment Profile Competencies: Generic
   1. Teamwork
   2. Communication
   3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Adept at making critical decisions under pressure, including mobilizing resources, allocating tasks, and responding rapidly to emerging cholera outbreaks, with a focus on minimizing fatalities and long-term community health impacts.
• Skilled in building and maintaining partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and international agencies, and facilitating collaborative efforts to ensure comprehensive response to cholera outbreaks.
• Excellent communication skills: the ability to clearly present ideas and concepts both orally and written.
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills: ability to generate, analyse and appropriately apply findings from qualitative research to planning and project design; the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural environment with tact and diplomacy; an ability to meet tight deadlines; an ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate activities and tasks to meet specific objectives.

Education Qualifications
           Essential
Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
Desirable
Expertise in cholera prevention, treatment, and outbreak management, with a deep understanding of emergency response protocols and multisectoral approaches to mitigate the impact of cholera outbreaks. Ability to analyze complex epidemiological data and response performance, and apply findings to inform decision-making and adjust strategies for optimal impact in cholera response.
Experience

• At least five years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, outbreak response. Experience in emergency and/or health outbreak context. Proven experience in the application of participatory models of engagement in the health context and the ability to adapt and innovate in emergency situations.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate efforts across diverse sectors, including health, water and sanitation, nutrition, and community engagement, ensuring effective integration and collaboration among partners and stakeholders.
• Experience in identifying skill gaps and developing targeted training programs for health workers, volunteers, and community members involved in cholera prevention and treatment.

Desirable

• Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO/UN, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.

 

3. Use of Language Skills

Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.