East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community
Vacancy Advertisement: Senior Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist
The ECSA-HC is a regional organization set up in 1974 to promote the highest possible standards of health among member countries. ECSA-HC is mandated to foster, among member states, cooperation that will lead to the strengthening of health delivery programmes in the region. The member states are Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who are nationals of Member States, for the post of Senior Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist. The position is tenable at the ECSA Health Community Secretariat based in Arusha, Tanzania. The incumbent will report to the Project Coordinator.
1.0 Background of the Organization
The East, Central, and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC) is a regional organization established in 1974 to promote the highest possible standards of health among member states. It fosters cooperation to strengthen healthcare programmes in the region. The Secretariat implements its activities through four programme clusters:
- Family Health and Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases, Food Security and Nutrition
- Health Systems and Capacity Building
- Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
2.0 Broad Purpose of the Post
The Senior Emergency Health and Response Specialist will lead activities under the Multi-Phase Approach Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (MPA-HEPRR) Project. The role focuses on supporting countries in developing mitigation strategies and guidelines for the continuation of essential services during public health emergencies (PHEs), including non-communicable diseases, RMNCAH services, and menstrual hygiene products. The officer will also coordinate ECSA-HC support for RCCE activities when needed.
3.0 Specific Responsibilities
- Support regional mechanisms for mobilizing health professionals during emergencies
- Generate regional knowledge through operational and analytical research
- Improve forecasting and stockpiling capacities for health emergencies
- Support countries in conducting preparedness assessments (SPAR, JEE, AAR, IAR)
- Lead risk mapping and health needs assessments
- Support readiness assessments and simulation exercises
- Develop mitigation strategies for essential health services
- Support regional knowledge management
- Integrate demographic data into surveillance systems
- Provide technical guidance for sub-national emergency management systems
- Assess and support development of national/sub-national Health Emergency Response Plans
- Review and update contingency plans for high-priority risks
- Mobilize and coordinate resources for health response planning
- Coordinate implementation and evaluation of emergency response strategies
- Support contingency planning and emergency funding mechanisms
- Develop plans for time-sensitive acute medical/surgical services
- Provide input on digital platforms for health service delivery during emergencies
- Coordinate RAC meetings and co-lead communities of practice
- Perform other related duties as assigned
4.0 Education Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Master’s degree in Medicine
- Postgraduate qualification in Emergency Medicine or Public Health
- At least 5 years’ clinical experience and 5 years’ experience in digital health technologies and emergency response
- Proven analytical and writing skills, including scientific publications
- Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills
- Ability to work in a multicultural setting
5.0 Essential Skills and Competencies Required
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Knowledge of statistical software (SAS, SPSS, STATA, ACCESS)
- Strong communication and basic research skills
- Team player with strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities
- Strong management and coordination skills
6.0 Language
- Fluency in both spoken and written English
7.0 Remuneration Package
- An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the right candidate
8.0 Contract Appointment
- Three-year contract, renewable based on performance and mutual agreement
9.0 Method of Application
Nationals of Member States should submit:
- Detailed application letter
- Curriculum Vitae with three referees
- Completed ECSA-HC application form (available at www.ecsahc.org)
- Certified copies of educational and professional certificates
Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
10.0 Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received by 21st June 2025. Submission by email is highly encouraged.
Submit to:
The Director General
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community
Plot 157 Oloirien, Njiro Road
P.O. Box 1009, Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 27 250 8362/3, 250 4106
Fax: +255 27 254 125/250 8292
Email: [email protected] (cc: [email protected])
Website: www.ecsahc.org
Note: ECSA-HC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.