OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The mission of WHO's UHC/Healthier Populations Division is to contribute to reducing health inequalities and reducing preventable disease and injury caused by environmental, social and economic determinants of health.This is achieved through a coordinated inter-sectoral approach aimed at enabling all people to enjoy better health and well-being, in line with the Organization's13th General Programme of Work (GPW13) and the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the Division, the Department of Health Promotion works to reduce risks associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity, thereby contributing to better population health, through cross-cutting normative, fiscal and legal measures to enhance well-being, health literacy and engage multi stakeholders through settings approach and community engagement strategies. Within the Department, the physical activity unit provides global scientific and technical leadership and specialized technical assistance in matters related to national and sub-national implementation of Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 and the ACTIVE technical package of recommended policy actions across multiple sectors and using a 'whole of system' approach. In addition, the unit develops relevant global standards and guidelines, informs and supports the research agenda and provides a catalyst for innovation and new partnerships.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. Support the Unit Head of Physical Activity Unit in carrying out the functions and workplans of the Unit.
2. Provide specialized technical input to counterparts in countries (through WHO regional and country offices) to draft, revise and further develop public health guidelines and implementation guidance tools for the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 and the ACTIVE technical package.
3. Serve as a technical resource at counterpoint level (through WHO regional and country offices) to assist in dissemination and implementation of global tools and guidance on Physical Activity.
4. Undertake research on relevant topics to facilitate the development and implementation of the public health programmes and activities.
5. Support the development of relevant collaborations and partnerships outside of health sector (such as with sports, transport, urban planning, education) to develop capacity, advocacy and implementation of population-based strategies to reduce physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors.
6. Support the maintenance and enhancement of web-based and social media communications of the work of the unit and support any on-line consultation processes and training systems as required.
7. Support the dissemination and communication of WHO work and resources on physical activity through relevant partnerships, networks and collaborations.
8. Support the development and monitoring of WHO progress, unit work plans and budgets for planned activities as requested.
9. Any other duties, as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: A first level university degree in public health, health sciences or related degree which included substantive coverage of population-based approaches to primary prevention, health promotion and evaluation of policy actions on physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours.
Desirable: An advanced university degree in public health, health sciences or related areas.
Experience
Essential:
1. Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the area of public health, primary prevention of non-communicable diseases, health promotion, or health policy specifically related to health issues of physical activity, sport, play, walking and/or cycling of which at least 3 years at the international level.
2. Working experience with the development, dissemination, communication and implementation of physical activity related policies and programmes.
Desirable: Preferably experience in low resource contexts.
Skills
1. Excellent knowledge of the relevant science underpinning effective, evidence-based and population-based approaches to promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviours.
2. Knowledge of public health and other relevant policy approaches aimed at the promoting physical activity in one or morekey settings (such as primary health care, schools, workplace, transport, environment, sport).
3. Skills and experience of working within diverse working environments delivering population-based health promotion and disease prevention programmes aimed at promoting physical activity through policies and interventions implemented in different settings, focused on different sub populations and, in particular, in low resource contexts.
4. Skills and experience in supporting coordinating and organizing multi-stakeholder collaborations and meetings, and global and/or national consultations on related technical topics.
5. Skills in data analysis and synthesis, in particular for cost-effectiveness of interventions.
6. Knowledge of relevant WHO policy on physical activity and contribution of physical activity to health and well-being.
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 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 62,692 (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 3772 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 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.
- For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.