Mission and objectivesWHO in the Western Pacific Together with 37 Member States and areas, we fight infectious diseases like dengue and malaria, and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Through immunization campaigns and initiatives such as First Embrace, we help mothers and children survive and thrive. We ensure the safety of our environment, our air, our water and our food โ all of which impact our health every day. We prepare for and rapidly respond to disasters and emergencies, never losing sight of the fact that we are dealing with issues of life and death. With the stakes so high, we strive for excellence in working to bring better health and well-being to the nearly 1.9 billion people of the Western Pacific Region.
ContextWHO is a public international organization, consisting of 194 Member States, and a Specialized Agency of the United Nations. It was established in 1948 with the mandate to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. WHOโs roles include coordinating international responses to health emergencies and outbreaks, setting global norms and standards, promoting healthier lives and expanding universal health coverage. The UN Volunteer (UNV) will be a member of the Health Emergency Information and Risk Assessment (HIM) unit of the Division of Health Security and Emergencies (DSE) and the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). The mandate of DSE/WHE is to support Member States prevent, prepare for, detect and rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The core responsibilities of the HIM unit are to detect and verify emerging health threats, assess risk, and guide response measures using data-driven analysis. The HIM unit monitors events through informal and official sources and coordinates with countries under the International Health Regulations. It also provides technical assistance to Member States and supports capacity-building in technical areas including surveillance. This UNV assignment forms part of the HIM unitโs role to detect, verify, and disseminate information internally, as well as to key partners and Member States. The role will report to the Programme Area Manager of the HIM Unit, while working with other units in the WHE as required.
Task Descriptionโข Support surveillance of potential outbreaks and public health events that pose a risk in countries in the Western Pacific region using official and unofficial information sources, including Epidemic Intelligence from Open Source (EIOS) โข Assist in verifying detected signals and events, in collaboration with WHO Country Offices as needed โข Assist the HIM team in conducting risk assessments and managing events โข Contribute to the production of epidemiological information products, including daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance reports, and other ad-hoc information products โข As required, support development and troubleshooting of EIOS boards to enhance monitoring of priority public health threats, including technical support to Member States
Competencies and valuesโข Technical expertise โข Producing results โข Teamwork โข Communicating in a credible and effective way โข Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Living conditions and remarks1. Security Situation Manila, as the capital city of the Philippines generally offers a safe environment for residents and visitors. While the city itself is typically secure, itโs important to remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions, particularly in neighborhoods known for higher crime rates. Volunteers should follow UN security protocols and travel advisories. 2. Access and Air Travel Manila is home to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), the main gateway to the Philippines. The airport provides numerous international and domestic flight options. Within the city, public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services facilitate easy access to various destinations. 3. Climate Manila has a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25ยฐC to 32ยฐC (77ยฐF to 90ยฐF). It experiences three main seasons: Tag-init (dry season, December to May), Tagulan (rainy season, June to November), and cooler months in December and February. Typhoons can occur, particularly during the rainy season. 4. Cultural Awareness Manila is a melting pot of cultures. While dress is generally casual, modest clothing is recommended, especially in religious sites. Alcohol consumption is common in social settings; moderation is encouraged, as excessive drinking can be viewed negatively. 5. Cost of Living The cost of living in Manila is higher than in many other regions of the Philippines. A modest lifestyle typically ranges depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. Please check the following link for more information https://wise.com/us/blog/cost-of-living-in-the-philippines 6. Availability of Food/Water/Electricity Manila boasts a vibrant food scene, offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Fresh produce and seafood are readily available. However, tap water is generally not safe to drink, so bottled water is recommended. Electricity is widely available, although power outages can occur, particularly during severe weather. 7. Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Manila are of good quality, with numerous hospitals providing both public and private services. It is advisable for volunteers to have health insurance, as emergency care can be expensive. 8. Banking Facilities Banks are easily accessible throughout Manila, offering ATMs, currency exchange, and online banking services. While credit cards are accepted in many establishments, cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller shops and markets. 9. Communication Infrastructure Manila has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with reliable mobile networks and internet access. Major areas offer high-speed internet, while mobile plans are affordable, facilitating easy communication with family and friends. 10. Education facilities Manila offers a variety of educational facilities for international UN volunteers with children, including international schools that follow different curricula, such as American, British, and IB programs. These schools provide quality education and a supportive environment for expatriate families. Many institutions also offer extracurricular activities and language support. It's advisable to research and apply early, as spots can be competitive.