Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The main objective of the WUN office is to improve, on behalf of all WHO, its engagement with the UN system to better position health in the debates and decisions of UN intergovernmental bodies, to anchor health in the global development agenda and contribute to a coherent and effective UN system at global, regional and country levels. The WUN office supports WHO leadership in health-related humanitarian efforts, including as the Health Cluster Lead, and promotes alliances and interagency approaches to address health issues. To achieve these objectives, WUN office directly interacts with all key decision making bodies at the UNHQ and pertinent political, economic, social, humanitarian and development groups. The WUN office liaises with the WHO Regional Director's offices that support the effective delivery of the UN mandate at country level and facilitates WHO's involvement in the Regional United Nations Development Group (UNDG) teams.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within delegated authority, the Technical Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to health issues in New York, in particular as they affect the heath mandates for which the staff member is responsible.

2. Supports and provides input to the promotion of WHO policies, positions and interests with various New York-based stakeholders, including through the active participation in relevant conferences and meetings. Provides feedback and guidance, as well as exchanges information with counterparts, stakeholders and partners on WHO's health leadership and coordination role.

3. Monitors, observes, interacts, and networks with other sectors of the UN intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and Member States' missions on coordination and policy matters related to health initiatives.

4. Undertakes outreach activities; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities to reinforce the visibility of the WHO and promote WHO position. 5. Participates and represents WHO in UN processes. Reports on activities; meetings, events, negotiations taking place in New York, provides needed intelligence and lobbies to include health related references in resolutions and other official documents.

6. Contributes to the drafting and preparation of official documents, speeches and talking points, briefing notes, press releases and statements.

7. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.

8. Provides substantive support to high-level, consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

9. Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office.

10. Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level university degree in international relations, public health, social sciences or related fields.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in one of the above mentioned areas or related field.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of five years of combined national and international experience working in public health programmes or international relations context, involving multi-sectorial/multiagency environment, including health and non-health stakeholders.
Desirable: Experience in or with one or more UN agencies.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization, using tact and diplomacy in dealing with politically sensitive situations. Sound understanding of the UN development agenda, within the health context. Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive settings. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or 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 60,962 (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 3571 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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

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

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.