Governance Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

UNITAID is a multilateral partnership hosted by the World Health Organization. UNITAID is focused on making a unique and impactful contribution to the global response against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in developing countries. It catalyzes improvements for the larger response through forward-looking and time-limited investments to increase access to better, more effective and more affordable health products. These investments can target - for example - price reductions, improvements in quality and supply, or the introduction of innovative products suitable for the populations in need.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Governance and Board Relations Manager, the incumbent is expected to perform duties including but not limited to the following\:

1. Support the work of the External Relations Unit, and specifically, the Governance & Board Relations Manager, in facilitating efficient functioning of Unitaid's governance structures.

2. Facilitate the maintenance of excellent communication channels between Board and Secretariat by scrutinizing the flow of information to ensure Board concerns are communicated effectively to relevant teams for response.

3. Provide professional and substantive support to the Governance structures, supporting their efficient functioning and management.

4. Maintain, update, and assist the Governance & Board Relations Manager in the the preparation and development of Governance documents for Board meetings and also on the common platform (share point site).

5. Prepare Board related correspondence (to the Board members/Secretariat) on the basis of instructions or on own initiative; coordinate, research and screen all governance-related requests with tact and discretion, and obtain background information on the purpose of appointments and meetings.

6. Upon delegation, represent Unitaid at events, stakeholder working groups, and selected initiatives, as required by ER Unit.

 

The Governance Officer will also perform administrative duties including but not limited to the following\:

1. Assist the Governance & Board Relations Manager in the financial, budgetary and planning process by using appropriate tools. 

2. Using the appropriate system, prepare travel authorizations, checking timetables and costs with Travel Agency, making flight and hotel reservations, and dealing with other related matters as requested for the ER Unit.

3. Be responsible for implementation of all governance-related contractual obligations (APWs, Purchase Authorizations and Letters of Agreement), and monitor their completion through the GSM work flow.

4. Organize team and departmental meetings, workshops, and seminars. 

5. Act as focal point for maintenance and update of contacts of the Executive Board members, as required.

6. Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: A first university degree in business, social sciences, public relations, international relations or related fields.
Desirable\: Training in a field relevant to global health and development.

Experience

Essential\: At least 2 years of relevant experience in the field of health and international relations with some exposure to governance relations. Experience in organization of high level meetings. Experience in management of contract and other administrative needs for the conduct of international meetings (site, venue, travel, translation, interpretation, etc.).
Desirable\: Experience in health projects in at least one of the three Unitaid niches (HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria). Experience working in an international cross-cultural environment. Experience attending or supporting the work of Boards and/or other Governance structures of public health or international development organizations.

Skills

Using effective communication, coordination and organizational skills. Using skills in managing and controlling finance, budget and planning processes. Good writing and editing skills.  Good understanding of modern procurement practices. Possessing knowledge of WHO Rules and IT systems (GSM, RSM). Good IT skills (Word, excel, internet use).

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of Spanish.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 46,026 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3272 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an 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.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220./ul>
  • As a WHO staff member assigned solely and exclusively to support this Partnership, selected staff will have no right of reassignment or transfer outside the Partnership either during or at the end of his/her appointment, including pursuant to WHO Staff Rule 1050. (This does not apply to WHO fixed-term staff members reassigned from a non-Partnership position.)
  • UNITAID is a partnership hosted and administered by WHO, located outside WHO premises in Blandonnet, 1214 Vernier/Geneva.