Consultant - Reviewing proposals of engagements with non-State actors

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical expertise that supports the Due Diligence and Non-State Actors Unit in the Office of Compliance and Risk Management and Ethics (CRE/DAN) when reviewing proposals of engagements with non-state actors that are of high-nature risk, providing legal advice and guidance on the subject matter and provide technical expertise to advance implementation of the WHO Framework of engagement with non-State actors (FENSA) and the recommendations contained in the management response.

Background

To facilitate implementation of the recommendations, the Due Diligence and Non-State Actors Unit (CRE/DAN) in the Office of Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics, developed four overarching action areas that underpin a more detailed set of actions that respond to the six recommendations contained in the evaluation and are contained in a management response. The management response includes inter alia measures to increase communication to demystify FENSA and improve buy-in for consistent application, build capacity to strengthen the consistent application of the FENSA rules and procedures, and develop tools and mechanisms to support FENSA implementation while ensuring ongoing learning, drawing lesson-learning and knowledge exchange.

While ambitious goals have been achieved since its adoption in 2016, enabling actions highlighted by the evaluation are critical to ensure full implementation of FENSA and Member States recommendations in an aligned, coordinated, and systematic manner to maximize the value added from non-State actor engagement across the Organization. To facilitate full achievement of the recommendations, technical support is needed. Not to mention, the exposure of CRE/DAN, and the responsibility and the complexity of its duties have increased considerably in view of the evolving functions of the Unit and the Organizational context. This, constantly calls for a higher-level of expertise and proficiency when reviewing proposals, assessing risk and proposing mitigation measures, and guiding technical departments when developing engagements.

Deliverables

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree from a recognized university in international law, commercial law, business law, private law or corporate law.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 15 years of progressive professional experience in providing legal advise and recommendations.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in an international organization working on institutional rules, policies and practices.
• Proven experience on developing or reviewing policies, guidelines and guidance material.

Desirable:

• Documented experience in engagement with non-State actors.
• Experience in the analysis of strategic engagements with non-State actors.

Skills:

• Documented technical expertise and experience in the legal reviews of proposals and proficiency in the area of risk assessment, legal reviews, capacity to deliver practical and strategic recommendations.
• Advanced capacity to analyze and provide legal advises on engagements with non-State actors and on institutional rules, policies and practices.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, combined with ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under time pressure.
• Excellent ability to write and synthesize information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of another UN Language.

Location

Off site: Home-based.

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level D - USD 12,520 - 14,400 per month.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

11 months.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
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• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html