Technical Officer – External Relations

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies (EPG) Unit mobilizes political will and resources through the building and maintenance of strategic alliances, partnerships, and external relations to position the Organization's regional health priorities into the agenda of the international community and attain technical and strategic recognition within the regional setting. The Unit coordinates the work of the Regional Committee, enhances the contributions of delegations of the African Region to the work of WHO's Governing Bodies in support of the achievement of regional health goals, and builds the capacities of WHO/AFRO entities, in particular WCOs, to cultivate and leverage productive partnerships with national governments, other in-country stakeholders, development organizations , inter-governmental agencies, non-state actors and the international community for regional and national health initiatives and programmes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:•Organize and manage the preparation and administrative arrangements of Governing Bodies meetings;•Coordinate the agendas and scheduling of all governance events and documentation;•Promote, monitor and report on the alignment of the work of the Regional Committee with global Governing Bodies meetings;•Prepare Governing body meeting documentation, following through and quality assuring all stages of the preparation, editing, translation and dissemination of such documentation in printed and electronic form;•Facilitate diplomatic, managerial and administrative support for the participation of Ministers of Health, delegations of the AU, and delegations of the African diplomatic missions based in Geneva to the meetings of the WHO Governing Bodies;•Facilitate the participation and accreditation of non-state actors to the Regional Committee;•Guide and advise AFRO's Technical Units on their engagements with non-state actors in relation to Governing Bodies;•Support the coordinate the organization and execution of the WHO African Health Forum;•Ensure documentation of the outcomes of Governing Bodies meetings and dissemination to WCOs and partners for follow up;•Implement and align global governance reform at the regional level;•Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First University degree in public health, social sciences, international relations, public administration, communications or related fields;
Desirable:

Experience

Essential: A minimum of five (5) years' experience coordinating and managing the execution of high-level meetings in international settings;Experience in working with governance committees is essential;
Desirable:

Skills

-->Ability to organize and execute large meetings requiring advance, supporting documents and follow-up reports;-->Ability to forge and maintain productive, working relationships and partnerships at the international level;-->Knowledge of International global health and development issues; -->Thorough knowledge of protocol in communications with Governing Body members or other participants in official meetings and settings;-->Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;-->Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and give full attention to details;-->Excellent writing and communication skills;-->Proven networking skills and established donor network relationships.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English or French.
Desirable: Working knowledge of the other

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 3251 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.