Position no. 358050 - initially stationed in Amman but may be changed as deemed necessary

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1) Polio Eradication is a mission critical objective for WHO, as mandated by multiple WHA resolutions. The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to achieve the global eradication of polio through leading the global eradication efforts of national governments and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Partnership (GPEI) to detect and interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, certify eradication, stop the use of oral poliovirus vaccine, mainstream core polio eradication functions to sustain eradication, and ensure the potential legacy of polio eradication is fully realized.

2) The immediate objectives of the Regional programme are to lead eradication efforts of countries in the Region and to coordinate and lead the inputs of the GPEI Partnership across EMR toward full implementation of GPEI's 2019-2023 Strategy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Assume responsibility for the implementation of the GPEI 2019-2023 Strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The incumbent oversees the formulation of organizational strategic plans and policies, coordinates priority setting and allocation of resources needed to achieve the objectives of the GPEI, and ensures the capacity to monitor and evaluate key eradication activities on an ongoing basis, in collaboration with HQ, Regional and Country Offices of WHO, and Partner Agencies.

2. Oversee and coordinate strategies for mobilization of financial, human and technical resources required for polio eradication activities (currently budgeted at more than US $400 million per biennium), including the securing and allocation of funds for eradication, certification, and transition activities at the regional and national levels, through interaction with the leadership of the global polio eradication partnership, donor governments, development banks, private foundations and agencies.

3. Ensure alignment of resources to program priorities, appropriate allocation of resources, and facilitate prompt budget and financial analyses and transparent reporting to the Polio Oversight Board and to donors.

4. Direct the development of consolidated WHO work plans for polio eradication in collaboration with WCOs, ensure the development of progress reports based on those plans and their dissemination to all concerned bodies; monitor, in collaboration with HQ and WCOs, progress towards the objectives of GPEI's Strategy and WHO's work in supporting national eradication efforts, taking and guiding corrective actions as needed.

5. Direct, lead, coordinate and oversee the work of the POL Department, the Coordinators/Regional Advisers and their teams, and the POL teams in countries in their functions and tasks in eradicating polio, in coordination with WHO Representatives and other regional initiatives, ensuring that their priorities and deliverables are aligned with the objectives of The Strategic Plan.

6. Oversee the collaboration of WHO EMRO with the Global Polio Eradication Partnership, with a particular emphasis on the core partner agencies (UNICEF, Rotary International, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Represent the Regional Director on polio eradication issues in the Region, and in interactions with core GPEI partners and the wider polio eradication partnership, as well as with UN Regional Humanitarian Teams based in the Region.

7. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with UN agencies involved in Level 3 and Level 2 Emergencies in the Region, including UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinators, Regional Directors, and Emergency Coordinators of relevant agencies (e.g. UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, UNICEF), to ensure that polio eradication is effectively integrated with humanitarian response in these emergencies.

8. Direct and negotiate the formulation of Regional strategies for polio eradication including in Level 3 and Level 2 emergency countries and ensure their endorsement by, and application in, Member States. Ensure viable strategies and oversee negotiation of access for immunization and surveillance in conflict settings.

9. Lead and promote the eradication of polio in countries, providing advice on strategy, operational planning, programme monitoring, and resource mobilization and allocation through direct support from EMRO or the identification and deployment of additional human resources for that purpose. Provide technical guidance in implementing strategies and plans with special emphasis on endemic and emergency affected countries.

10. Negotiate, guide and support the development of appropriate activities and where appropriate, work plans across other WHO departments in EMRO, HQ, and other Regional Offices (including immunization, communicable disease, and emergency programmes) in support of polio eradication and the transition of polio experience, skills, and assets following interruption of poliovirus transmission.

11. Ensure the strengthening of WHO through the documentation and dissemination of lessons learnt through polio eradication, and oversee the implementation of 'Polio Transition' planning, including the migration of the standards and approaches used in polio eradication to other programmes in the organization, and the transition of polio-funded staff and assets to support other public health objectives, while maintaining core functions for sustaining polio eradication.

12. Represent the Organization in contacts with the international media, and at meetings, conferences and other for a related to polio eradication.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: An advanced degree in public health, international relations or social science.


Desirable\: Specific training in epidemiology.

Experience

Essential\: At least 15 years of international work experience in public health and/or humanitarian programmes some of which within a national context, 8 years of which are in the direction and management of public health or humanitarian programmes, including in a leadership position for polio eradication, some of which must be in emergency settings and within EMRO region countries. Senior-level leadership experience in a programme with substantial human resources management and decision-making responsibility for technical, financial and administrative elements, as well as a leadership role in advocating or negotiating for resource mobilization. Experience in managing technical programmes within the UN. Experience in negotiating access in conflict areas. Experience in strategy development and implementation.

Desirable\: Relevant experience working for WHO or another UN agency in complex emergency situations at senior/director level. Experience in the establishment and/or collaboration with international partnerships. Experience in access or conflict negotiation. Exposure to crisis and emergency operations. In the context of the Region, relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness for and response to health emergencies.

Skills

- Proven exceptional leadership ability at the global/regional level, with capacity to work and communicate effectively with senior policy makers, public health leaders, and staff at all levels, in WHO, in government and partner agencies, and in the field. Peer-recognized leadership and experience in managing and directing organizational assets in large scale programmes.

- Demonstrated exceptional team management skills in international and multi-cultural settings, including the proven capacity to lead teams and deliver on deadlines during periods of intense stress and activity; demonstrated ability to provide independent leadership in such periods with capacity to organize, monitor and synthesize information quickly and concisely.

- Proven ability to coordinate, manage and successfully lead projects across agencies and organizational departments. Expertise in managing diverse partnerships in the context of polio eradication, immunization, and/or health or humanitarian emergencies. Proven ability to communicate effectively with professional groups and media.

-  Proven ability to manage the delivery of programmes in complex emergency settings and in settings of severe access and security constraints.

- Globally recognized expertise in the theory, principles, methods and techniques of polio eradication, and vaccine preventable disease control, with broad knowledge of vaccine policies and strategies and their application in developing and developed countries. Extensive knowledge of public health.

- Proven ability to successfully interact and negotiate with senior national and international authorities.

- Excellent interpersonal/communications skills and demonstrated excellent writing and presentation skills.

- Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and strategy development for global programmes, with the ability to quickly comprehend strategic and tactical objectives and to formulate comprehensive plans to address challenges/risks.

- Demonstrated experience in the application of modern management techniques.  - A detailed knowledge of WHO procedures and practices, including close familiarity with the work of country and regional offices, the Regional Committee, Executive Board and the World Health Assembly.

WHO Competencies

please refer to (WHO global competencies model at http\://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1)

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

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

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 108,189 (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 4328 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.
  • Duty station is initially Amman, but may be changed as deemed necessary.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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