(Sub-national) Health Cluster Coordinator
Health Cluster Coordinators (HCC) are the neutral representatives of the health cluster, which they coordinate. HCCs ensure accountability and transparency of the decisions and work of the cluster. At the operational level, the health cluster is often chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Health, where appropriate, with the support of the cluster team.
HCCs promote and uphold the principles of humanitarian response and public health, working with the national and international community to lead a coordinated and effective health sector response to a crisis. They implement the WHO's commitment to work through the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the cluster approach. They are, for example, responsible for targeted coordination, health needs assessments, strategy development and resource mobilization.
HCCs play an important role in promoting agreed national and international standards in all areas of public health and strive to achieve the best possible health status for the populations served by the cluster. They collaborate with health sector stakeholders and use existing coordination mechanisms, including national health authorities, NGOs, international organizations and civil society.
The Terms of Reference for the sub-national HCCs are closely aligned with those of the HCCs. They mirror roles and responsibilities at the sub-national level, particularly concerning coordination, representation, and assessment of health needs, as well as strategy development and resource mobilization. They also play a supportive role in the implementation and monitoring of the Incident Management System (IMS) and advocacy.
Specific profile requirements for Health Cluster Coordinator
- At least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, International Health, Management, or Social Sciences (or related fields);
- Specialised training in emergency management, international aid, humanitarian principles, health system recovery, and health cluster coordination;
- At least seven years of relevant experience at national and international level in developing and promoting collaborative partnerships in emergency and humanitarian relief operations, including experience in managing and coordinating health programmes in chronic, acute and sudden-onset emergencies;
- Demonstrated knowledge of the rapid response operations and their implementation in emergencies as related to public health, complemented by demonstrated ability to identify and manage difficult situations, to lead and direct multidisciplinary and multinational staff;
- In-depth knowledge of emergency relief policies and practices within the UN, other UN specialised agencies, donor agencies, national and international NGOs;
- Sound knowledge and experience in disaster prevention and preparedness programmes and the IMS;
- Excellent negotiation skills and ability to convene stakeholders and facilitate a policy process among UN, NGOs, national health authorities and donors;
- Excellent presentation skills;
- Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, health cluster/sector partners, and relevant NGOs or humanitarian organisations.