Mission and objectives

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes. WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) defines WHO’s strategy for the five-year period, 2019-2023. It focuses on triple billion targets to achieve measurable impacts on people’s health at the country level. The triple billion targets are to ensure by 2023:

• One billion more people are benefiting from universal health coverage
• One billion more people are better protected from health emergencies
• One billion more people are enjoying better health and well-being

Context

Under the direct supervision of the Public Health Officer (Health Promotion and Determinants) and the overall guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office (HWCO), the Public Health Specialist is a team member in the technical unit. Work is assigned by the supervisor who gives instructions on non-routine matters. Routine tasks are performed independently with some discretion in non-routine matters related to office procedures only. National UN Specialist Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,186.33;
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Free Medical and life insurance;
• Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Public Health Officer (Health Promotion and Determinants), the UN Volunteer will:

• Support the integration of climate-resilient Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) into the Climate change health vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment and into Water Safety Plans at health care facility level.
• Contribute to assessments and training on climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities, using WHO checklists and guidance.
• Contribute to the national climate change and health policy brief, including compilation of health, emissions and economic evidence and drafting of policy options for health-sector decision-makers and other sectors.
• Support the review and implementation of health-sector National Adaptation Plan and contribute to drafting mid-term and long-term health adaptation action plans.
• Develop, adapt and pretest evidence-based health promotion materials (Arabic and English) on climate-health nexus.
• Support the development of a national heat-health action plan and the communication component of the heat-wave early warning system pilot.
• Engage youth networks, community-based organizations and volunteers.
• Develop and deliver training and orientation sessions on climate change and health, health promotion, and relevant areas.
• Support planning, budgeting, procurement follow-up and monitoring of the climate change and health workplan activities; maintain the activity tracker and risk log.
• Prepare progress reports, donor reports, mission reports, meeting minutes, success stories and web/social media content.
• Perform any other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Communication
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Producing results
• Teamwork

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.