DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Under the technical guidance of the Technical Officer (Infectious Hazard Preparedness/Avian Influenza) and the overall supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Programme Manager and the Regional Emergencies Director, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties: Coordinate implementation of the activities under Outputs 1, 2 and 6 of the PIP High Level Implementation Plan II (HLIP II) of regional and country PIP PC workplans;
• Providetechnical guidance and support to countries on respiratory disease surveillance, such as influenza, SARS CoV-2, RSV, including training activities, where appropriate:Support the updating of country Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan and provide guidanceto countries in updating and monitoring their pandemic influenza preparednessand response plan;
• Strengthen the regional capacity for detection of respiratory disease outbreaks, includingthose due to a novel virus using epidemiological surveillance methodologies;
• Coordinate the development of best practices on influenza epidemiological surveillance andresponse in the African Region and ensure all relevant materials pertaining toinfluenza preparedness and response (reports, plans, SOPs and other informationproducts) are available for Member States:Any other dutiesthat may be assigned by the supervisor(s)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• First university degree in medicine or related field such as epidemiology or infectious diseases.

Desirable:

• Master degreein public health or training/experiencein infectious disease control, epidemiology or emergency/disaster Management.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 5 years of experience in surveillance, preparedness and response of infectious diseases and the implementation of public health projects, building capacities at international level. Experience in the management of complex projects with partners.

Desirable:

• Experience working in WHO or the UN system. Experience working in in Low and Middle Income settings (LMI).

Skills

• Ability to work with national Ministries of health on planning, implementing and monitoring of surveillance programmes;
• Good knowledge and technical expertise in Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response and with an emphasis on influenza and other respiratory pathogens;
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, complemented by good interpersonal and presentation skills
• Effective writing skills and ability to draft, evaluateand edit technical reports and publications.