Technical support:The National Professional Officer will serve as a technical resource to the government and other partners to develop, and implement national programmes to promote key objectives and targets in the identification and management of environmental risk factors to human health, climate change and health. Propose national initiatives, policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with national authorities in the areas of environmental health, climate change and health. Support the implementation of multilateral agreements on environment, climate change and health. Undertake situational analysis and needs assessment for addressing health and environment challenges and linkages to ensure adequate technical and strategic support for the country in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of joint national action plans. Provide assistance for various activities, including data collection and literature research, as well as stakeholder engagement and facilitation of activities at the local level. Plan and organize programs for capacity building on environmental and climate health initiatives and other related cross cutting areas in Ghana and in the AFRO region. Monitor country specific developments in respect to the assigned programmatic areas covered and conduct reporting to the regional office/ Headquarters so that these findings can be analyzed for strategy development purposes.Liaise with national counterparts, technicaldepartments at HQ, donors, and development partners (UN and bilateral institutions)to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to theprogramme and resolve issues or concerns and seek funding for new projects and initiativesProgramme management and logistical support:Maintain good working relationships with national and local health authorities, different municipalities, local universities, as well as other local implementing partners. Organize and support WHO work for capacity building, meetings and seminars with stakeholders and experts. Support the preparation of work plans, budgets for local activities involving stakeholder consultation and field research in close cooperation with WCO team, WHO/AFRO and WHO HQ staff working on the Urban Health climate change and the health impacts of air pollution. Monitor project activities and expenses against local project work plan and budget and provide regular updates on progress and results. Act as a local focal point for the gathering, recording and reporting of information and data on the exposure and effects of climate change, air pollution and related policies and interventions. Respond to inquiries national or other institutions, and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.Participate in WHO Country Office teamactivities andanyother tasksassigned by the WR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Minimum education required is a first degree in Public Health, Environmental Health/Science or a closely related field from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable: A Post Graduate Degree in Public Health, Environmental Epidemiology or Climate Changerelated would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in managing international development and/or research projects, and a minimum of two years of professional experience in quantitative research in the fields of public health and/or international development
Desirable: Extensive experience of five (5) or more years in managing international development and/or research projects.Work experience in international development or within a UN agency or international organization would be a strong asset.

Skills

Proven ability to coordinate and manage internationaldevelopment and/or research projects (including data collection s well as Expertisein Climate Change, Health and Environment, with broad, practical knowledge ofrelated programmes, policies and strategies and their application incommunities and the health systems.Proven ability to work in a team and with a widenetwork of partners.Experience in working across sectors.Strong capacity to communicate and write in aclear and concise manner. Communication skills include establishing of contactsand interviewing project stakeholders (e.g. health care workers and administrators).Ability to work in multi-disciplinaryenvironments.Knowledge of the UN and broader humanitarian anddevelopment environment.Knowledge of common office software applicationsand willingness and capacity to keep abreast of new technologies. Understanding of Ghana’s National Health CareSystem, its structure and processes.Understanding of key components of climate, environmentand health issues.Experience in quantitative research (desirable).

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

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