Technical Officer (Legal – Global Board of Appeal)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Global Board of Appeal (GBA) is a peer-review body which offers a formal venue for WHO staff members to appeal against final administrative decisions or actions affecting their appointment status. The GBA reviews staff members' appeals in facts and in law, and reports its findings and recommendations to the Director-General with whom the final decision rests. In addition, the GBA issues analyses of patterns, statistics, lessons learnt and/or recommendations on issues raised in appeals and potential improvements to be made to internal processes and procedures so as to avoid future appeals. The Secretariat of the GBA functions as the GBA's registrar office and provides legal, procedural, training and administrative support to the GBA, its Chair and the GBA members.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Chair GBA, the incumbent advises staff on the appeals process, alternate solutions, or possible mechanisms of resolution. S/he monitors the smooth running of the cases he/she is responsible to ensure appeal processes are carried out within the statutory timeframe. Drafts written responses on non-routine matters to be signed by Chair GBA. Attends GBA meetings. Drafts and finalizes GBA Report and Recommendations for signature by the Board Members to be submitted to the Director-General or Executive Director, UNAIDS. Provides administrative and legal support to the GBA. Examines pleadings and other relevant documents. Prepares case summaries, briefings and chronologies. Conducts legal research and provides background information regarding the WHO Staff Rules and Regulations, relevant WHO policies, previous Headquarters Board of Appeal (HBA) and Regional Boards of Appeal (RBA) cases or ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) jurisprudence as appropriate. Acts as resource person to all parties involved in the appeal to answer any procedural questions that may arise. In consultation with Chair GBA, contributes to the organization of the Annual Meeting of the Boards of Appeal. Participates in working groups related to the internal justice system on behalf of the Board at the request of the Chair GBA.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level university degree in law.
Desirable: Admittance to the Bar of a Member State or an equivalent qualification to practice law in a Member State.

Experience

Essential: At least five years combined national/ international experience in labour dispute, or human resources fields with a focus on legal issues; experience in legal research and the analysis and application of rules, regulations and policies.
Desirable: Experience in WHO or other agency of the UN family. Knowledge of the ILO Tribunal case law (ILO Triblex database).

Skills

Thorough knowledge of administrative policies and practices in the UN system. Knowledge of WHO Staff Rules and Regulations and WHO Staff Manual an asset. Knowledge of legal practice associated with labour jurisprudence and familiarity with ILO Administrative Tribunal jurisprudence. Proven skills in drafting clear-cut reports of a legal nature and proven skills to communicate compex issues of a legal/administrative nature clearly, understandibly and geared towards the respective target audience. Demonstrated ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment. Ability to work closely in harmony with stakeholders of different cultures and backgrounds, specifically staff in distress. Ability to work as a leader as well as member of team. Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision or guidance.

WHO Competencies

Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Teamwork
Producing results
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert 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 62,120 (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 1646 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.