Environmental Health Specialist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Centre's objectives are to: (1) generate scientific information, monitor trends and analyze evidence for advocacy, programmes, policies and action on health, environment and climate change; (2) assist Member States in developing policies to protect and promote health and well-being by adapting global norms and standards, building capacity and providing technical assistance; and (3) engage with different sectors, relevant international agencies and donors, and stakeholders to accelerate policy and action on climate and health in the Western Pacific region and beyond.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will report to the Head of Office of the Centre. Within the delegated authority and in collaboration with other specialists at the Centre, HQs and in other offices, the specialist will lead and manage the Health and Environment Programme, including strengthening the identification and management of environmental risk factors to human health, maintaining good relations with national and regional counterparts, risk assessment institutions and United Nations agencies to network and coordinate joint action programmes such as climate change and health and chemical risk assessment programmes.

Generic Duties

• Provide technical and managerial leadership in the area of Health and Environment with specific focus on the Pacific, ensuring that the activities in this area are well planned and coordinated and are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Collaborate with Member States to provide technical and policy advice on the development and implementation of national policies and strategies to promote multisectoral response for reduction and management of environmental risk factors to protect human health.
• Coordinate the development of guidance to Member States to undertake situation analysis and needs assessment for addressing health and environment linkages and advocate for adequate technical and strategic support to Member States in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national plans of joint action.
• Oversee regional specific developments in respect of the assigned programmatic areas covered, and report these to the regional office/ Headquarters so that these findings can be utilized for strategy development purposes.
• Design and establish regional strategies and policies through negotiation with relevant authorities and advocate for initiatives in the areas of environmental health to implement multilateral environmental agreements.
• Coordinate the development of work plans and budgets for team activities including resource mobilization for the work programme and oversee the implementation of planned activities.
• Lead and conduct research on impact of the major international environmental instruments and on various topics including risk factor assessment and management.
• Ensure and strengthen capacity building in the area of environment, climate change and health and the related cross cutting areas.
• Act as a technical advisor to the public concerning health and environment linkages to prevent diseases and to create health supportive environments. Respond to inquiries from the media, national or other institutions, and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.
• Promote and establish new community outreach activities to facilitate the expansion of community-based networks for improved health environment targeted towards controlling and preventing diseases.
• Advocate, coordinate, and build partnerships with national counterparts, technical departments at HQ and negotiate with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to the work programme and resolve issues or concerns and seek funding for new projects and work programmes.
• Represent WHO at various meetings.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties

• Coordinate special initiatives on environment, climate and health for the Pacific.
• Liaise with the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other sectors working on climate change and health.
• Act as the WHO WPRO liaison with Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in environmental or biological sciences, or a similiar field, or in public health with focus on environmental determinants of health.
Desirable: Specialized training in coastal or oceanic environmental health would be an advantage.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ .

Experience
Essential: At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience, including relevant international experience, in developing policies and strategies targeted at reduction and control of environmental elements of diseases. Within this experience, demonstrated professional experience at international level providing technical advice and services to governments and partners on environmental health initiatives. Experience managing diverse teams.
Desirable: Work experience or familiarity with WHO and UN agencies.

SKILLS

• Excellent knowledge and expertise of global and regional level situations with regard to policies, strategies and regulatory mechanisms governing the planning of health and environment related interventions.
• Sound knowledge of relevant regional needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze results, identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening risk assessment and health care systems.
• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Excellent knowledge of scientific and technical issues pertaining to health and environment linkages.
• Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty.
• Excellent writing, communication and public speaking skills.
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• Strong team leadership skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively;
• Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions;
• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:who-enhanced-competence.pdf

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Promoting the Organization’s position in health leadership
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French

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 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), and a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level including those of a temporary nature.
• 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.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates
  Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line. For assessment of your application, please ensure that
  - your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated;
  - all required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided;
  - all experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time; and
  - please note that CV/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are not accessible.