Important - Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of the Republic of Korea. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme

The JPO Programme equips outstanding young leaders with the skills and experience required to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive difference in the world. As a pathway into the world of development, the programme offers young professionals excellent exposure to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development while providing a valuable entry point into the UN system. 

The JPO will work as part of a team and be supervised by an experienced staff member, including:

  • Structured guidance and feedback, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing of responsibilities; 
  • Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results;
  • Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise; 
  • Completion of the yearly  Performance Review including learning and development objectives. 

The JPO will benefit from the following learning and development opportunities:

  • Participation in Induction Courses 
  • Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide
  • On-going Masterclasses on relevant and inspiring themes; 
  • Career development support mechanisms and activities; 
  • Networking with fellow JPOs, young professionals and senior colleagues; 
  • Mentoring programme and other training and learning opportunities.

Learning objectives of the JPO during this assignment

Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have:

  1. Advanced knowledge on climate change and health.
  2. Knowledge and skills on how to work with Government and civil society partners to advance climate change and health action.
  3. Knowledge and skills on how to synthesize evidence, scan for emerging research issues, and make it accessible to end users.
  4. Knowledge and skills on producing guidance and training materials on climate change and health, and supporting partnerships for implementation. 
  5. To participate in team discussions and expert consultation on the evidence for effective communication in climate and health.

Achieving the learning objectives

  Learning Objective Training Components When?

1.

 Advanced knowledge on climate change and health 1.1 To participate in the WHO Academy training course on climate change and health.  1.1 Between 3-12 month after commencement of position.

2.

 Knowledge and skills on how to work with Government and civil society partners to advance climate change and health action
  1. To gain on-the-job experience in producing climate and health communication materials
 These will be continuous throughout the assignment.
3. Knowledge and skills on how to synthesize evidence, scan for emerging research issues, and make it accessible to end users.

3.1. To participate in team discussions and expert consultation on knowledge generation and management on climate change and health.

3.2. To gain on-the-job experience in synthesizing evidence, research horizon scanning, and dissemination

 These will be continuous throughout the assignment.
4. Knowledge and skills on producing guidance and training materials on climate change and health, and supporting partnerships for implementation

4.1. To participate in team discussions and expert consultation on capacity building and country support.

4.2. To gain on-the-job experience in producing and disseminating guidance, and implementing through partnerships.

 These will be continuous throughout the assignment.

The progress towards achieving the objectives will be evaluated annually by the JPO together with the first and second level supervisors.  Achievement will be against WHO's Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). 

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department:

The objective of the WHO programme on climate change and health is to provide global leadership, enhance knowledge and support delivery of a comprehensive health response to climate change.  This will accelerate climate change mitigation to protect and promote health, build environmentally sustainable and climate resilient health systems, and protect populations from the wide range of climate risks to health.

Centred within the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health in WHO Headquarters, and in corresponding programmes in WHO Regional and Country Offices, it works closely with other relevant WHO programmes, from air quality and energy, to water and sanitation, to disaster preparedness.  It also builds on close partnerships with other UN agencies, and with academic, health professional and civil society organizations, to deliver positive change for our Member States.

The programme specifically follows (i) World Health Assembly Resolution 61.19, which provides the overall mandate for WHO’s work on this issue; (ii) WHO workplans on climate change and health endorsed by Member States at the 131st and 136th Executive Boards, which outline the functions that the WHO Secretariat is expected to carry out; (iii) the 13th WHO General Programme of Work, which identifies climate change as an over-arching priority within the Goal to achieve one billion people living healthier lives by 2030, and (iv) Resolutions and action plans endorsed by WHO Regional Committees.

Assignment Summary:

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will support the Department in its work to advance climate change and health action through Policy engagement and advocacy, Evidence and monitoring, and Capacity building and country support.

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations

Under the overall supervision of the technical officer for Capacity building and country support, the JPO shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Contribute to the Unit’s communication and engagement activities with governments, civil society partners, and health professional organizations. 
  2. Support the Unit’s work on summarizing evidence, assessing research gaps, monitoring progress, and knowledge management.
  3. Contribute to the Unit’s work to produce and disseminate “living guidance” and training materials on climate change and health assessment, planning, and interventions for WHO Regional and Country Offices and government partners.
  4. Support and contribute to the development of the WHO-hosted multi-partner Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH). 
  5. Carry out other related tasks in support of the Unit and the Department as required.

During the period of assignment, the JPO would have contributed to the following key outputs:

  1. Evidence -based climate change and health communication campaigns, in partnership with civil society and health professional organizations.
  2. The dissemination of WHO’s evidence and progress tracking, through interactive online databases
  3. The development and dissemination of WHO’s training and guidance materials through the ATACH. 

WHO competencies required for the assignment:

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

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

  • Minimum: An advanced university degree in a health-related subject (e.g. medicine; public health; international health or other related field)
  • Desirable: Post-graduate qualification in a subject related to climate change (e.g. environment, economics, development)

Work experience:

  • Minimum: At least 2 years of experience in the health and development field at national or sub-national level.  
  • Experience, exposure, or a strong interest in climate change.
  • Desirable: International experience in working with collaborators in low, middle and high income countries. Familiarity with WHO or other UN bodies and NGOs in a health area.

Language Skills required for the assignment:

  • Minimum required: Fluency in Korean and English. Applicants should submit a certificate to prove a minimum of (1) TOEFL iBT 100 or (2) TEPS 430 or (3) IELTS 7 or (4) TOEIC 900 * Note: TOEFL ‘MyBest Scores’ are not accepted, and test scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.
  • Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French or another WHO language

Nationality: Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of the Republic of Korea. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

Age Requirement: Not older than 32 years of age as of 31 December, 2023 (born after 1 January, 1991). The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended accordingly: 

  1. One year will be extended for those who served for less than one year;
  2. Two years will be extended for those who served for more than one year and less than two years; 
  3. Three years will be extended for those who served for two years or more. 

Military service: Male applicants shall have completed the Korean military service or be exempted from it. Those who will be discharged from military service in the year of the application may also apply.

Attachments needed (please note that once the application is submitted in the system, you cannot go back to upload documents or edit information): 

  • A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements 
  • A scanned copy of applicant’s Resident Register in English 
  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your Master degree
  • Copy of English proficiency test certificate. Please check the minimum requirements/scores above.
  • Only for male applicants who have completed the national military service: A certificate of Korean Military Service in English: The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended in accordance with the Support for Discharged Soldiers Act and the Military Service Law. 
  • Only for low-income applicants: A scanned copy of a certificate of National Basic Livelihood Security Recipients issued in Korean and its unofficial translation in English.
  • Only for persons with disability: A scanned copy of a certificate of person with disability issued in Korean and English.

For general information on the JPO Programme of the Republic of Korea, please visit the website of the International Organizations Recruitment Center, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea: https://UNrecruit.mofa.go.kr

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at the UN:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
The UN does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters 

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination - UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
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