Overview
The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Officer will advise on and implement national strategies for the prevention and control of diseases with pandemic and epidemic potential, and monitor disease outbreaks.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise on the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of national strategies and plans for the prevention and control of diseases with pandemic and epidemic potential.
- Monitor the prevention, detection, verification, assessment, and early investigation of outbreak risks and the dissemination of data related to epidemic emergence.
- Adapt policies, strategies, concepts, and tools for infectious hazard management and manage their implementation at the country level.
- Develop periodic reports on infectious hazard-related activities and support information systems.
- Contribute to the surveillance and analysis of infectious disease risks and participate in rapid response teams.
- Ensure risk communication messages are technically accurate and socio-culturally appropriate.
- Formulate recommendations and provide guidance on relevant courses of action in affected and unaffected areas.
- Provide technical assistance on vaccination, enhanced surveillance, infection control, sanitation and hygiene, water and/or nutrition provision, pre-positioning of medicines and medical supplies, and vector control.
- Request the activation of technical expert networks at regional or global levels to characterize pathogens and diseases in cases of unknown infection.
- Represent the Country Office at official meetings as needed.
Required Experience
- At least 5 years of professional experience at the national level in planning, developing, and implementing disease prevention and control programs, including epidemic outbreak prevention and control, infectious hazard management, and/or dangerous pathogens.
- Relevant experience with inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate preparedness and response to health emergencies.
Qualifications
- Essential: First university degree in medicine and public health or a related field from an accredited/recognized institution.
- Desirable: Specialized training in epidemiology and specialized training in emergency management.
