WHO health emergency Lead - (2603844)

World Health Organization (WHO)
Mogadishu, Somalia
Health/wash

Job Description

The position of WHO health emergency Lead - (2603844) at World Health Organization (WHO) in Mogadishu is now open for applications. With 10+ years of experience required, this position is suited for mid-to-senior level professionals in Health/wash. The closing date for this vacancy is Sep, 26.

rade

:

P5

Contractual Arrangement

:

Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days)

:

12 Months

Job Posting

:

Sep 4, 2026, 1:00:00 AM

Closing Date

:

Sep 26, 2026, 12:59:00 AM

Primary

Location

:

Somalia-Mogadiscio

Organization

:

EM_SOM WHO Representative's Office, Somalia

Schedule

:

Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

PN 427487OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme in Somalia is to coordinate national actions, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies and contribute to building essential public health functions as part of strengthening and building resilient health systems towards achieving universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

● Work in coordination with technical focal points at the regional and headquarters levels, under the guidance of the head of the WHO country office.

● Provide expert, technical guidance to national authorities in, and coordinate all aspects of the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) programme, at the country level, to enhance the national capability in preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, outbreaks, and health emergencies from all hazards.

● Technically guide and ensure the concerted approach of WHO in the areas of emergency risk management, country preparedness and International Health Regulations, risk & situation assessments, and infectious hazards management.

● Collaborate with and guide relevant ministries and other stakeholders to undertake gap analyses in relevant areas of work for emergency preparedness and management and lead the development/revision of national strategies and a national multi-hazard, health emergency preparedness and response plan.

● Utilize high level expertise to prepare a national risk profile, assessing and mapping existing and emerging national health risks as well as populations vulnerable to, or affected by, prioritized risks, their coping capacities and health needs.

● Lead the identification of resource needs and funding gaps for health-sector risk reduction, preparedness, and response for vulnerable / affected populations, advocating with and mobilizing required resources from partners and donors.

● Lead the assessment of capacities and national, competency development systems, and recommend, plan, and oversee the implementation of appropriate measures and training for strengthening core capacities under International Health Regulations (2005) including to manage identified risks; effectively monitor and evaluate processes, outcomes and the impact of response and recovery interventions.

● Advise and support the national health authorities and partners in the establishment or strengthening of emergency health care systems to ensure the provision of a range of critical emergency health care services.

● Lead the knowledge capture from policy, strategic and field interventions, and ensure its dissemination to respective target audiences.

● Represent WHO in inter-agency meetings and external forums related to WHO epidemics and emergency preparedness and response.

About Mogadishu

Mogadishu, known locally as Muqdisho, is the capital of Somalia and the country's largest city. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. The city hosts the headquarters of numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions, offering diverse career opportunities for development and humanitarian professionals.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Caafimaad • Caafimaad & Nadaafadda • Shaqo Cusub • Biyaha & Nadaafadda • Shaqo Muqdisho • Shaqo Buuxda

Qualifications & Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation

Essential

: Advanced university degree (master's level) in a relevant field (such as medicine, epidemiology or public health).

Desirable

: Training in applied epidemiology.

Experience

Essential

:

● A minimum of ten years of work experience relevant to the position (in public health, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response activities in a developing country and/or at regional level), a significant part of this to have been obtained at an international level.

● Experience required in strengthening country capacities and response to emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters or complex emergencies.

● Experience in facilitating multi-sectoral partnerships for health policy and strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery especially in a developing country setting.

Desirable

:

● Experience with United Nations funds and programmes.

● A track record in consensus building and enlisting cooperation by diverse nationalstakeholders.

Skills

● Mastery of the principles and programmes of epidemic and emergency preparedness and response.

● Thorough knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR) and in-depth knowledge and skills to develop and coordinate health policy, strategic and operational interventions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery with a range of actors.

● In-depth, technical knowledge and skills in planning, monitoring, and evaluating health systems.

● Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, projects and programmes.

● Excellent oral and written communication, including for reports, oral presentations, and technical documents.

● Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, projects and programmes.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:

https: //cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/who-careers/who-enhanced-competence.pdf?sfvrsn=aae66472_3&download=true

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential

: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable

: Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

How to Apply

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3628 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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.

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Job Details

Posted: September 5, 2026
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Sector: Health/wash