PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

A core responsibility of this position is leading the development of multi-country and regional proposals for the 3rd call of the Pandemic Fund, ensuring they are technically sound, well-coordinated, and aligned with donor requirements. The coordinator will facilitate seamless communication and coordination between various entities to ensure efficient project execution, timely reporting, and measurable impact.

Beyond project coordination, the role will involve stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and resource mobilization, ensuring that WHO’s PPR efforts are well-supported and effectively communicated. The coordinator will also represent WHO in technical discussions, strategic meetings, and high-level dialogues, advocating for stronger global and regional health security frameworks. Additionally, the role will include onboarding and capacity-building efforts to ensure that project teams are well-equipped to deliver high-quality results.

By integrating technical expertise, strategic planning, and partnership development, the Pandemic Fund Coordinator will play a critical role in strengthening WHO’s ability to respond to health emergencies, build resilient health systems, and enhance global preparedness for future pandemics.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME:

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

WHE/EPR assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radio nuclear and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. WHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policies and the International Health Regulations – IHR (2005).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in advancing global health, protecting populations, and responding to public health emergencies. At the heart of its mission is the commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring they are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to emerging health threats. By providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and critical resources, WHO enhances global health security and fosters resilience against future pandemics.

Recognizing the need for sustained critical investment in pandemic preparedness, the Pandemic Fund was established to provide dedicated, long-term financing to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The fund addresses systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning closely with WHO’s mandate to reinforce global health infrastructure and enhance emergency response coordination.

As one of the 13 approved Implementing Entities, WHO leverages its extensive expertise, operational capacity, and global network to support the effective implementation of Pandemic Fund projects at the country level. Through targeted interventions, WHO ensures that investments translate into tangible improvements in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response mechanisms, and workforce development. By working in close collaboration with governments, partners, and stakeholders, WHO continues to drive progress toward a safer, more resilient global health landscape. In this way, the post of Pandemic Fund Coordinator was created.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

1. Project Coordination & Implementation

· In collaboration with HEP/PAM, coordinate the two streams of Pandemic Fund work in AFRO: stream 1 for tracking implementation and reporting of both single country proposals, and regional/multi-country proposals; and new proposal development.

· Support the planning, execution, and monitoring of the multi-country and regional entity projects, ensuring timely and effective implementation in line with WHO guidelines and national health priorities.

· Manage Pandemic Fund coordination unit with direct supervision of Project Management Officers (PMO).

· Work closely with WHO country offices, government counterparts, and partners to facilitate the smooth execution of project activities.

· Ensure seamless coordination and communication across WHO’s three levels—headquarters, regional offices, and country offices—to foster cohesive project execution.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

· Coordinate the Establishment and maintenance a robust Monitoring, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system.

· Track project progress, ensuring key performance indicators and milestones are met, and provide regular updates to WHO leadership and relevant stakeholders.

· Contribute to the development of progress reports, impact assessments, and evidence-based recommendations to inform decision-making and policy development.

3. Proposal Development & Coordination

· Lead and coordinate the end-to-end development of multi-country and regional entity proposals for the 3rd call of the Pandemic Fund.

· Oversee the proposal drafting, review, and finalization of proposals, ensuring quality, technical rigor, and compliance with donor requirements.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management

· Foster collaboration with governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of the Multi-country and Regional entity initiatives.

· Promote and communicate WHO’s and the country’s pandemic fund implementation efforts to relevant audiences, enhancing visibility and stakeholder engagement.

5. Represent WHO in Technical Meetings & Strategic Discussions

· Act as WHO’s focal point in technical meetings, working groups, and high-level discussions related to multi-country and regional initiatives, advocating for WHO’s priorities, and ensuring alignment with global health security goals.

6. Supervision and Onboarding

· Develop and implement an onboarding and induction process to familiarize new team members with project objectives, roles, and WHO policies.

· Provide training sessions and mentorship to ensure they acquire the necessary technical skills and knowledge.

· Conduct regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure alignment with project goals.

7. Resource Mobilization & Advocacy

· Identify funding opportunities and relevant financing mechanisms to enhance multi-country and regional PPR efforts.

· Develop advocacy materials and briefs to highlight the importance of regional and multi-country collaboration in pandemic preparedness.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Competencies:

*1. Teamwork

*2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

*3. Communication

4. Building and promoting partnerships

5. Ensuring efficient and effective use of resources

Functional skills and knowledge:

• · Strong problem-solving skills, demonstrated through the ability to identify challenges, gather and analyze complex data, build strategic models, and provide well-founded recommendations to enhance project outcomes.
• · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present in meetings, draft comprehensive reports, and create strategic presentations. The officer should engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and health partners at national, regional, and international levels.
• · Proven ability to work collaboratively in teams, fostering cooperation, developing team members, and promoting a constructive team environment that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Educational (Qualifications):

Essential

Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, International Relations, Health Policy, or a related field.

Desirable:

PHD in at least one of the abovementioned fields.

Experience:

Essential

At least 7 years in managing public health programs or operations, preferably in African contexts, with a strong focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy development in emergency or humanitarian settings.

Proven expertise in project management, including the ability to oversee multiple projects, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes. This includes managing project work, coordinating teams, and reporting to higher-level management.

Languages

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English

Desirable: A working knowledge of French would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT): Computer literacy.