About the opportunity
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Officer will work within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) to strengthen national capacity for emergency preparedness and readiness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The incumbent will provide technical support to national health authorities and partners, including risk assessment, contingency planning, and the development of national action plans for health security. The role involves coordinating with international and local stakeholders, organizing specialized public health training, and enhancing rapid detection and response frameworks for outbreaks and public health threats, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Salary and benefits
- Professional experience within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme
- Opportunity to contribute to national health security and disaster recovery
- Access to WHO staff benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health or health-related fields
- At least seven years of relevant national and international experience in public health emergency preparedness or health sector coordination
- Expert level of French and intermediate level of English
- Demonstrated experience in capacity building and partnership development
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications
Required documents
- Scanned copy of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) (if contacted for an interview)
- Updated vaccination card (for medical clearance process)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by September 16, 2026, at 9:59 PM
How to apply
- Apply online through the official WHO career portal
- Candidates may be screened via a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
Additional information
- This is a temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 for a duration of 12 months
- The position is based in Kinshasa, with work also involving Goma
- WHO conducts background verification of final candidates regarding history of sexual exploitation and abuse
- WHO is a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users
- Contracts are conditional on vaccination requirements
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates holding an advanced university degree at the Master's level or above in public health or health-related fields.
- Professionals possessing at least seven years of relevant national and international experience in public health emergency preparedness or health sector coordination.
- Individuals demonstrating strong experience in capacity building, partnership development, and operating in conflict-affected areas.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is based in Kinshasa and involves work in Goma within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, requiring physical presence.
- An expert level of French and an intermediate level of English are strictly required.
- Contracts are conditional on meeting specific vaccination requirements, and work involves high-stress, emergency response environments.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 12-month temporary appointment allows an experienced public health specialist to drive critical emergency readiness and disaster recovery frameworks in a high-impact, field-level setting.
Our take
Humanitarian health professionals fluent in French with extensive emergency background should strongly consider this role, whereas those seeking remote work or unfamiliar with outbreak-prone regions should avoid it.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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