Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo

## Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo - Organization:WHO - World Health Organization - Country:Democratic Republic of Congo - Office:WHO in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 12 Job Posting: Sep 2, 2026, 9:20:00 AM Under the WHO Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response (EPR) at the country level, the position is established to provide strategic technical leadership and operational support to enhance emergency preparedness at both national level and across all 26 provinces. This role contributes to strengthening the country's preparedness for public health emergencies. Objectives of the Programme The mission of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer is to support the strengthening of national capacity for emergency preparedness and readiness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Within the framework of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE), the incumbent provides technical support to national health authorities and partners in preparing for health emergency responses in the country. This includes supporting the assessment of public health risks and national capacity for health security; the development, implementation, and monitoring of national multi-hazard strategic plan, Contingency plans and National Action Plan for health security. The position contributes to building and sustaining essential capacities for preparedness and readiness, ensuring that the country is better prepared for public health emergencies, in line with WHO standards and the International Health Regulations (IHR). Description of Duties The incumbent will perform some or all of the following duties: - Support and monitor implementation of IHR amendments and its monitoring and evaluation of framework that include SPAR reporting, JEE, Simulation Exercises and After-Action Reviews of public health emergencies. - Support roll out of One Health approach in line with Quadripartite Action Plan - Work with External Partnership and Resource Mobilization Officer to support Pandemic Fund proposal developments and implementation of approved grants - Technical Guidance: Provide specialized public health input to the Ministry of Health on risk assessment, contingency planning, and emergency readiness and management structures. - Epidemic Preparedness: Design, monitor, and evaluate early warning systems and rapid response frameworks, with a particular focus on high-risk provinces and transit hubs. - Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the technical liaison for health emergency preparedness, bringing together international partners, local health authorities, and humanitarian actors to align readiness interventions. - Capacity Building: Organize and conduct specialized public health trainings for local public health teams, focusing on surveillance, readiness, and community-based containment measures. - National Capacity Strengthening: Drive institutional capacity building for public health emergency preparedness, response, and long-term disaster recovery across all provinces. - Rapid Detection and Verification: Enhance WHO's ability to detect, verify, and respond rapidly to outbreaks and priority public health threats in areas heavily impacted by conflict and population movement. - Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in public health and/or health-related fields from an accredited/recognized institute. - Doctorate degree in Medicine. - Post graduate studies or specialized training in emergency preparedness in the context of public health. - Master in Public health. - At least seven years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in public health in emergency preparedness or health sector coordination, with emphasis on managing outbreaks and health emergencies and/ or health consequences of emergencies and crises. - Experience in capacity building, developing and promoting collaborative partnerships. - Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or relevant nongovernmental or humanitarian organizations. - Experience in capacity building programme planning/development, project management, monitoring and evaluation. - Experience with resource mobilization in emergency settings. - In-depth knowledge of public health programme with focus on emergency preparedness and their major risk factors, health system, and the Millennium Development Goals. - Demonstrated knowledge and experience of operational management of health aspects/consequences of humanitarian crises and outbreaks in field settings. - Demonstrated skills in capacity building, proposal and report writing, knowledge of and experience with needs assessments in emergency settings, strategic information analysis and planning and ability to anticipate new trends in the field of public health and take actions accordingly. - Managerial skills for the development, implementation and analysis of technical cooperation programme and activities, including the development of programmatic indicators. - Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications. WHO Global Competencies - Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond - Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Essential: Expert level of French and intermediate level of English. Additional Information Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework. 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening. In the event 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. According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual. The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment. WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recrui