Director, Epidemic and Pandemic Management

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES Generic duties: Ensures effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department and/or the specific programme managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives through managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and peer communities to optimize the department's financial resources, deliverables and mandate. Leads the articulation of a clear departmental vision in coherence with organizational strategy and ensures its operationalization through robust departmental performance management practices that drive measurable results and enhance overall organizational effectiveness. Leads the Department in providing technical expertise to Member States and other stakeholders with guidance and technical data required for the development, implementation and monitoring of national and/or global policies and programmes. Leads the Department in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for dissemination and implementation in Regional and Country Office programmes. Provides highest level technical advice and expertise to Management in the respective area of work in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area of work. Oversees the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Department's area of work to develop key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to ensure optimal performance of the Department's deliverables. Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective area. Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global policies. Represent the Department area of work in global fora to position the area of work in the global health community. Provide strategic leadership to foster cross-departmental and cross-divisional collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact as well as international collaboration and community engagement to strengthen global health security. Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels.  Champion collective action through coordinated resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional initiatives. Support the mobilization of voluntary contributions in alignment with WHO's core mandates, strategic priorities, and key programmatic areas. Lead and coordinate resource mobilization efforts that are designed to strengthen WHO's presence and impact at regional and country levels, ensuring that newly secured resources are strategically aligned with field organization wide priorities, operational needs and budgets. Perform all other related duties as assigned. Specific duties: Lead the development, implementation and dissemination of technical guidelines, comprehensive epidemic and pandemic preparedness plans and other knowledge products for the prevention and control of infectious hazards and other country health emergency preparedness related activities. Provide guidance for risk assessment and response to graded and protracted emergencies related to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential. Provide high-level political and strategic advice on infectious hazards management to WHO senior management as required, including in relations with UN agencies. Oversee the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Secretariat in convening and supporting the PIP Framework Advisory and Review Groups, guiding and managing the implementation of the PIP Framework partnership contributions, facilitating and managing benefit and sharing arrangements between PIP Framework stakeholders and related activities. Oversee the enhancement of surveillance and laboratory capabilities to ensure rapid detection and response to specific infectious hazards. Direct the training and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals in epidemic and pandemic response to specific infectious hazards. Oversee global expert networks and advisory groups on infectious hazards. Oversee implementation of the strategic vision of the interim Medical Countermeasures Network Partnership and the WHO Bio Hub, ensuring alignment with WHO's overarching objectives and mandates. Engage partners to support and advance health R&D for pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, mobilize resources, and promote the effective implementation of WHO policies.  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education Essential : An advanced level university degree in medicine, public health or another public health related domain related to the functions of the position. Training in health emergency management.Desirable : A PhD in a relevant field. Certification in global health security.  Experience Essential :  A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Epidemic & Pandemic Management, including experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies.  Demonstrated experience at the international level.  Proven experience in public health policy and strategy formulation, and in coordinating large scale projects with high political impact.  Relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness, prevention, readiness and response for and response to health emergencies. Desirable :  Experience in leading international health emergency responses.  Experience in capacity building and training.  Experience in collaborating with international health organizations.  Field experience in public health programmes or emergency response programmes at regional and country level, especially in developing countries.  Skills Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies.  Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.  Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.  Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media.  Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health subject area.  Globally respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in Epidemic & Pandemic Management.  Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of public health/disease control programmes.  Technical/scientific Knowledge and Skills:  Expertise in epidemiology and disease surveillance, with proven track record in early detection systems.  In-depth knowledge of emergency response protocols, including strategic development and coordination across multiple agencies.  Advanced skills in risk assessment and management, with the ability to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective mitigation measures.  Comprehensive knowledge of health systems strengthening to enhance resilience and recovery capabilities.  WHO Competencies Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Ensuring the effective use of resources Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership Creating an empowering and motivating environment Use of Language Skills Essential : Expert knowledge of English.Desirable : Intermediate knowledge of French.