Health Emergency Preparedness Officer

Host entity: WHO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Public health, immunisation

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Working with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices, WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to achieve better health for everyone, everywhere. Together they strive to combat diseases – communicable diseases like influenza and HIV, and noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. They help mothers and children survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age. We ensure the safety of the air people breathe.

Assignment context

The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) guides the organization’s work in preparing for, detecting, and responding to health emergencies globally. In Somalia, WHO plays a dual role: providing direct technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and leading the Health Cluster to coordinate hundreds of health partners. Due to chronic vulnerabilities from climate-driven crises (floods, droughts) and epidemic outbreaks (Cholera, Measles, cVDPV, Diphtheria), the WHO Somalia Country Office requires a dedicated UNV Health Sector Emergency Preparedness Officer. This specialist will support the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), scale up sub-national Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and bridge the gap between early warning alerts and collective health actions.

Task description

• Support the Federal and State Ministries of Health and National Institute of Health in assessing and monitoring core national capacities for emergency preparedness in line with the International Health Regulations.
• Monitor alerts coming through the Early Warning Alert and Response Network (EWARN) and support required actions.
• Facilitate the all hazard planning and operationalization, in collaboration with the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), National institute of Health (NIH) and the Ministries of Health Emergency directorates
• Lead rapid multi-sector public health risk assessments in newly accessible or climate-affected areas and to draft targeted response profiles.
• Facilitate regular Tabletop Exercises (TTX) and functional simulation drills to test readiness for sudden-onset crises.
• Manage and continuously update WHO’s contingency stocks, prepositioning plans, and distribution pipelines for emergency supplies
• Support the integration of Emergency preparedness activities for health with other sectors particularly nutrition, food safety, water and sanitation.
• Facilitate one health activities in Somalia

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of professional experience in public health emergencies, disaster management, or international humanitarian response.
• Direct field experience with WHO or another UN agency in a complex emergency setting (Grade 2 or Grade 3 emergency environment).
• Proven familiarity with the WHO Incident Management System (IMS) is a distinct advantage.

Competencies and values

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences

Living conditions

Somalia is a non-family duty station with a complex but rewarding humanitarian environment. Security conditions vary across locations and require strict adherence to UN security measures and movement protocols. The country has a tropical climate, with rainy seasons from April to June and October to December. International access is available through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Baidoa airports, served by commercial and UN flights. Paid accommodation is available in secure UN-approved compounds and hotels, generally providing meals, laundry, internet, and basic recreational facilities. Food, bottled water, telecommunications, and banking services are available in major duty stations, while medical support is provided through UN and private medical facilities. The US Dollar is widely accepted. Somalia is a predominantly Muslim and culturally conservative country. Respect for local customs, modest dress, and sensitivity to cultural norms are expected. Somalia is a unique country and a distinctive humanitarian operation. It offers a professionally enriching experience while requiring cultural awareness, resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions. Adaptability and commitment are essential for a successful assignment.
You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.