Regional Emergency Director

About the role

The Regional Emergency Director leads WHO's Health Emergencies Programme at the regional level, providing technical expertise to Member States and partners. This senior role shapes policy, guides implementation, and ensures effective response to health emergencies across all hazards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the department in delivering technical guidance, data, and support for national and global health emergency policies and programmes.
• Manage a diverse workforce and financial resources to achieve departmental objectives and performance indicators.
• Provide senior‑level advice to WHO senior management, positioning the department as a global leader.
• Develop evidence‑based policies, strategies, and rollout plans for regional and country office implementation.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to meet global reporting requirements.
• Serve as the scientific reference for UN agencies and key stakeholders, fostering partnerships with Member States, donors, and research institutions.
• Supervise baseline all‑hazards risk assessments and the development and costing of national health emergency plans.
• Ensure oversight of outbreak and acute emergency management through the Incident Management System, including direct supervision of Incident Managers.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in public health emergency management and coordination at regional or global level.
• Proven leadership and management skills with responsibility for large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of WHO’s health emergency frameworks, policies, and normative guidance.
• Ability to engage with high‑level government officials, UN agencies, donors, and research partners.

Required skills

• Expertise in all‑hazards risk assessment methodologies.
• Proficiency with the Incident Management System for outbreak response.
• Knowledge of health emergency planning, costing, and implementation.
• Experience in developing performance indicators and reporting mechanisms.