WHO-AFRO IHR Secretariat Support Staff, UNV

Role Overview

This position supports the WHO IHR Contact Point in the African Region, ensuring that critical databases, communications, and capacity-building activities run smoothly. Day-to-day, you will maintain verified rosters of National Focal Points, track 24/7 notifications between WHO and Member States, and help prepare technical reports that inform regional health emergency preparedness. Your work directly strengthens the region’s ability to detect, assess, and respond to public health events under the International Health Regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Keep the IHR National Focal Point and National IHR Authority databases for the African Region current, accurate, and verifiable.
• Track and log all 24/7 IHR-related communication between WHO-AFRO and Member States through the designated mailbox, ensuring prompt follow-up.
• Draft reports, briefing notes, and technical documents that summarise Member States’ progress and gaps in IHR capacity.
• Provide logistical and substantive input to workshops, training sessions, simulation exercises, and after-action reviews for IHR Focal Points.
• Monitor implementation of the IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, including the Joint External Evaluation and annual reporting processes.
• Compile and analyse IHR Key Performance Indicators, preparing feedback summaries for Member States to guide improvement.
• Track progress on the Framework for implementing the 2024 amendments to the IHR 2005, flagging milestones and delays.
• Carry out additional tasks as assigned by the IHR Contact Point to support the Secretariat’s evolving needs.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from an accredited institution. A medical degree with specialised training in IHR, health emergency preparedness, or response is desirable.
• Experience: At least three years of professional experience in IHR implementation, public health emergency preparedness, or a closely related field. Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or other intergovernmental bodies, and familiarity with regional health security networks, is highly desirable. Previous work with Ministries of Health or National Public Health Institutes on IHR matters is an advantage.
• Languages: Expert-level proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) in both English and French. Working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.
• Functional Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of IHR processes and emergency preparedness frameworks; strong drafting ability for technical and scientific reports; proven capacity to work effectively in multicultural teams with diplomacy and tact; proficiency in Excel and comfortable using AI tools for data management and analysis.
• Core Competencies: Teamwork, respect for individual and cultural differences, clear communication, and a focus on delivering results.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role places you at the heart of global health security efforts in the WHO African Region. You will work directly with the IHR Contact Point, member states, and regional experts, gaining hands-on experience with the IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the implementation of recent amendments. It is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to strengthening health emergency preparedness across Africa while operating within a respected international organisation.