Health in Emergencies

The World Health Organization (WHO) is responding to an unprecedented number of intersecting health emergencies: climate change-related disasters such as flooding in Pakistan, food insecurity across the Sahel and in the greater Horn of Africa; the war in Ukraine; and the health impact of conflict in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria and north-eastern Ethiopia – all of these emergencies overlapping with the health system disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and outbreaks of measles, cholera, and other deadly diseases.

Health programmes in humanitarian emergencies help to build the capacity of affected national governments and other stakeholders to manage health risks in emergencies. WHO supports the coordination of international health interventions to contain outbreaks and contributes to effective assistance to affected populations when national capacities are overstretched.

Enabling healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages (Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3) are essential for global sustainable development. However, given current progress, the targets of SDG 3 will largely not be achieved by 2030. This is all the more the case if people affected by severe humanitarian crises and displacement are not addressed sufficiently.

Diverse expertise in the field of health in emergencies is needed to improve the planning, implementation and evaluation of health emergency programs in protracted and complex humanitarian situations. Seconded experts coordinate international responses and contribute to the prevention, preparedness, detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

ZIF is seeking experts for secondments to support health programs in humanitarian crisis situations with the following profiles:

• (Sub-national) Health Cluster Coordinator
• Public Health Officer
• Health Information Management Officer
• Health WASH Officer
• Health Logistics Officer

• At least five to seven years of relevant experience at national and international level, in developing and promoting collaborative partnerships in emergency and humanitarian relief operations;
• Experience in managing and coordinating health programmes in chronic and acute, sudden‑onset emergencies;
• Sound knowledge and experience in disaster prevention, preparedness programmes and the WHO Incident Management System (IMS);
• Specialized training in health system recovery, health cluster coordination, or health information management;
• In-depth knowledge of emergency relief policies and practices within the UN, other UN specialized agencies, donor agencies, national and international NGOs;
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to convene stakeholders and facilitate a policy process among UN, NGOs, national health authorities and donors;
• Maturity, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, ability to work in a team, ability to work under difficult climatic and geographical conditions, versatility and flexibility to work under emergency conditions where demands are constantly changing.
• Please note further profile-specific requirements on the subpages of the profiles: (Sub-National) Health Cluster Coordinator; Public Health Officer; Health Information Management Officer; Health WASH Officer; Health Logistics Officer