Technical Officer (Community Engagement)

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's 13th 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. WHO achieves this through cross-cutting programmes, which include normative, fiscal and legal measures, enhanced wellbeing, health literacy, a settings approach and community engagement strategies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Play a substantive support function for the Unit Head of Enhanced Wellbeing, HQ/ HEP/HPR/WEL in carrying out the functions and workplan of the Enhanced Wellbeing Unit.

2. Support policy and programme development that optimizes health, equity and wellbeing for all by mainstreaming health promotion tools and approaches

3. Provide technical specialist support to countries (through WHO regional and country offices) in the implementation of national mechanisms and policies relating to health education and promotion, including support to low resource settings

4. Develop and support the implementation of a research agenda relating to health education and promotion

5. Serve as a technical resource to the public on health education and promotion by responding to inquiries and providing detailed and technical information on related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and processes

6. Develop and monitor work plans and budgets including resource mobilization for the work programme and follow up on the implementation of planned activities

7. Maintain and build global networks related to health education and promotion, including the development of a database, platforms for interaction and disseminate information to them

8. Maintain liaison with and coordinate with national counterparts, technical departments at HQ and with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) on harmonization of recommendations on policies and strategies related to health education and promotion.

9. Build and maintain effective collaboration with relevant bodies, agencies and sectors in strengthening capacity and implementation

10. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in social sciences, public health, health promotion or fields related to the functions of the position.

Desirable: PhD degree in sustainable development or political sciences or related fields.

Experience

Essential:

1. At least 7 years of professional experience in health promotion, community participation, health literacy or related fields of which at least 3 years at the international level.

2. Demonstrated experience in coordinating programmes on community engagement, social mobilization and education campaigns at national level.

3. Proven track record in working with communities in addressing specific public health issues and consensus building.

4. Considerable experience in international relations, particularly with States and non-States actors.

Desirable:

1. Working experience in an international organization in the areas of health equity and social development of health-related fields

2. Experience in working with web-based knowledge networks, related to community engagement, social participation, and health literacy.

Skills

1. Expertise in evidence-based health promotion practice

2. Knowledge of health promotion practice, particularly in multisectoral action

3. Knowledge of WHO governance mechanisms and management procedures based on WHO rules

4. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work in a multicultural environment

5. Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes

6. Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies

7. Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources

8. Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders

9. Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area

10. Ability to write in a clear and concise manner including technical papers and reports for internal and external audiences, as well as briefing notes for consideration by senior management of WHO

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork

2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

3. Communication

4. Moving forward in a changing environment

5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

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 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 4473 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.