Pandemic Training Specialist – Global Surge Coordination Unit

The UN World Food Programme Headquarters in Rome, Italy, invites applications from the eligible candidates for the following position:

The UN World Food Programme Headquarters in Rome, Italy, invites applications from the eligible candidates for the following position: Position: Training Specialist (Pandemics)

Post Grade: International Consultant

Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension

Contract Type: Consultant (or When Actually Employed) Contract

Duty Station: Rome

Considering the highly contagious and/or deadly nature of viral infections we have seen over the past decade (including those strains we haven’t seen yet), strengthening WFP’s preparedness and response capacity to pandemics is a corporate priority. The Global Surge Coordination Unit (GSCU) aims to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of WFP operations at the country and regional levels by providing strategic and normative guidance, technical and capacity development, and targeted support to governmental counterparts. In addition, the GSCU will facilitate the coordination processes at the inter-agency level and with partners through the sharing of related knowledge and practice through simulation exercises.

WFP is a service provider supporting partner organizations in health emergencies. In order to dedicate the appropriate and continuous attention to WFP role and participation in health emergency responses, a Pandemic Task Force has been established specifically to address the current Coronavirus. While attention is focused on the immediate issue of the Coronavirus, WFP is taking a longer-term approach to health emergencies and will build its capacity to respond and/or support partners in any pandemic or health-related response.

Key Accountabilities

• Represent the GSCU in all Task Force activities related to health emergencies;
• Organize a series of Needs Analysis meetings/workshops to consolidate inputs from functional areas, Country Offices, Regional Bureaus, government and other stakeholders related to the knowledge, skills, equipment, etc.;
• Review of any related Operational Action Plans / Contingency Plans, solidify the objectives and draft a series of scenario documents for the simulation exercise;
• Define the structure of Simulation Exercises according to the existing WFP Emergency Structures (Global Surge, Surge and Support Desks, Clusters, etc.);
• Identify needs and support the training of additional facilitators (TOF) and establish facilitator roles along with determining who is responsible for which activity;
• In consultation with EpiCentre Points of Contact, draft a Concept Note for a Pandemic Simulation Exercises, including budgets and timelines, emphasizing the learning objectives of the simulation exercises;
• Coordinate with UNHRD-Brindisi to identify potential role players both from National and Provincial level;
• Identify the key issues that need to be tested and/or practiced during the Simulation Exercises to ensure that the tasking and outcomes during the exercise are appropriately addressing those issues;
• Ensure best practices are institutionalized within the programme and adapted to the local context;

• Coordinate the development of simulation exercise materials with facilitation team, including background information, scenario documents, schematic timeline, inject matrix, injects contents, specific taskings and deliverables;
• Develop an introductory briefing for other facilitators as well as simulation exercise participants;
• Identify logistical and administration requirements in preparation for the exercise and coordinate the arrangement with relevant UNHRD staff/units/organizations;
• Support the Global Surge Unit develop the methodology and sessions for the Lessons Learned process/debriefing and drafting a final report;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Commercial or Humanitarian Logistics, Disaster Risk Management or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Desired Experiences :

• Minimum of ten years of postgraduate in Logistics, Emergency Simulations and Training, Emergency Preparedness & Response and Pandemic-related exercises.
• Design and implementation or involvement in policy discussions and decisions related to Humanitarian relief programmes and/or response operations.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with partner organizations, civil society, government officials, civic leaders, media and private sector representatives.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills, with keen attention to interpersonal skills and effective communication.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with diverse teams and building partnerships.
• Demonstrated understanding of Emergency Preparedness & Response of the humanitarian sector and coordination of humanitarian operations involving Government, Military and International agencies including both NGOs and commercial sector actors.

Language : Fluency in both oral and written communication in English. Solid working knowledge of French and Spanish are highly desired.

Only candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to apply. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

JOB ID: 117546