OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the BehaviouralInsights and Science Unit at WHO is to mainstream and scale up the use of behavioural sciences across the Organization. Currently, the unit has five areas of work namely:

1. Strategy and normative guidance;

2. Testing approaches and piloting projects;

3. Technical assistance and capacity-building;

4. Knowledge sharing;

5. Positioning and partnerships.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of the WHO Behavioural Insights and Science unit and the Director for Communications, the incumbent will work across the five core functions and perform the following duties:

  • Provide senior-expert level technical support for the application of behavioural science across technical units, regional and country offices and the definition of related behavioural-insights related strategies and policies.
  • Design and lead the implementation of behavioural science projects, policies and research applied to public health.
  • Assess priorities and needs and develop tools for the mainstreaming of behavioural science across the Organization.
  • Produce expert-level knowledge through publications.
  • Lead the development and implementation of a Behavioural Science capacity building programme.
  • Ensure quality control of the data collected, of policies briefs, and project implementation.

Core responsibilities:

  • Act as the focal point for expert-level technical assistance to WHO technical teams ( at Headquarters, regional, country offices and among the Member States when needed).
  • Under the leadership of the Unit's Head receive requests for technical assistance and assess and prioritize the needs of technical teams and provide tailored solutions for the inclusion of Behavioural Science tapping into a variety of disciplines, methods and approaches.
  • Efforts to expand WHO's Behavioural Science agenda might include the design and drafting of policies aimed at influencing people's behaviours;
  • Primary and secondary behavioural research includes the design and implementation of experiments, data collection, systematic reviews, and expert consultations among others.
  • Lead the design and implementation of behavioural policies, programmes and research defined by the Unit's head.
  • On the basis of the technical assistance provided, regularly assess the needs of the Organisation and technical teams and lead the development of a variety of tools.
  • Support the provision of technical assistance and the mainstreaming of Behavioural Science into WHO operations, this might include the development and implementation of toolkits, guidelines and guidance, manuals, case studies, checklists, templates, and matrices among others.
  • Support the positioning of WHO in the field of Behavioural Science by regularly producing expert-level knowledge by writing articles, reports, evidence reviews, speeches and talking points, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Lead the design and creation of a flexible capacity building programme in Behavioural science for health, initially targeted WHO staff across the 3 levels and eventually adapted to the Member States and other external audiences.
  • Respond to the demand for tailored capacity building sessions as required by technical units, regional and country offices attending seminars, boot camps, online training and coordinating targeted training on BI and related disciplines, including BI training for the WHO Academy.
  • Ensure the technical quality and excellence of the unit's outputs, particularly in relation to methodological approaches, behavioural research, quantitative and qualitative data collection and project implementation.
  • Review and approve outputs before these are submitted to the Unit head for approval.
  • Other as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in behavioural sciences, behavioural economics, psychology, social marketing, international health, public health or another relevant field.
Desirable: PhD in any of the above disciplines. Certifications in research methods.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of working experience within social and/or Behavioural sciences for behavioural change or social marketing, of which at least 2 at the international level; At least 5 years of practical experience implementing or advising on key domains related to public health specifically; Experience leading primary or secondary behavioural research (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and/or experiments, and leading behavioural science capacity building programmes.
Desirable: Experience working in low- and middle-income settings. Familiarity with WHO systems and culture or that of another UN body. Proven experience in public health policy and strategy development.

Skills

  • Excellent understanding of Behavioural Science theory and application
  • Excellent understanding of public health and public policy
  • Excellent interpersonal communication, written communication, and presentation skills
  • Excellent mixed-methods research skills
  • Excellent and demonstrated strategic thinking, analytical, and project management skills
  • Effectively adapting to changing needs and diverse teams
  • Good statistical analysis skills

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another UN language.

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 75,602 (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 4549 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.
  • WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
  • WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
  • WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
  • 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.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.