Technical Officer (Governing Bodies)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Governing Bodies Unit (GBS) in WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean is charged with strategic engagement with Member States to ensure Member States highest engagement to improve health in the context of the WHO Governing Bodies. GBS provides strategic advice and support to Member States and ensures that the governance of the Organization is carried out effectively and according to the constitutional and business rules and regulations. In addition to daily matters of health diplomacy, GBS is responsible for executing the Regional Committee Meeting and supporting the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s participation in other WHO Governing Bodies, including the World Health Assembly, the Executive Board, the Programme, Budget, and Administration Committee, as well as other intergovernmental processes mandated by the Governing Bodies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent has the following responsibilities: Coordinate the preparation of the Regional Committee meeting including the preparation of its agenda, governance events, and documentation in close collaboration with other departments. Coordinate the preparations for the meetings of the WHO’s global governing bodies and ensure that decisions are well-aligned with the work of the Regional Committee and properly monitored and reported Work on the development of enhanced coordination mechanisms with relevant departments and Country Offices of WHO involved in supporting the work of governing bodies In collaboration with the Country Offices, establish and implement innovative approaches for engagement with Member States to prepare for and follow up on governing bodies’ decisions Provide relevant expert input to discussions regarding the specific needs of governing bodies and high-level meetings as appropriate maintaining records of all relevant decisions and supporting all actions for relevant follow-up; Support the RD, and CdC in Regional Committee and governing-bodies-related briefings by providing the necessary background documentation, preparing drafts, etc; Prepare notes for the Chair of the regional committee and subcommittee providing relevant support during such constitutional meetings Participate in discussions regarding the specific needs of governing bodies and high-level meetings with the RD, CdC, and other organizational entities, as appropriate Coordinate and conduct regular capacity and leadership-building activities (internal and external; to governing bodies and Permanent Missions focal points of Member States) on governance aspects, health policy, and health diplomacy. Oversee the budget and financial processes related to the governing bodies unit, and its submissions for planning, mid and end-term reporting, and other ad-hoc office-wide exercises Represent governing bodies at various meetings to advocate for strengthened governance and member-state relationships. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First University degree in public health, socialsciences, international relations, public administration, communications, or related fields.
Desirable: Master’s in international relations is an asset.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of five (5) years’ experience with international exposure in coordinating and managing high-level meetings. Experience in working in governance. Experience in working in UN organizations.
Desirable: Previous experience with WHO Governing Bodies, international boards, or intergovernmental committees

Skills

Diplomacy, tact, and ability to effectively communicate with senior-level officials, multiple stakeholders, and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Ability to develop and coordinate networks with relevant players in the field of international health and communication Courtesy and sensitivity to manage confidential information and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different professional levels, discipline, nationalities and cultural background – Excellent organizational, project management and negotiation skills Strong analytical and conceptual skills Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyse, synthesize, and provide recommendations on key technical and administrative issues Strong writing skills to prepare a variety of documents and briefing materials Knowledge of the WHO and UN systems at all levels Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Ability to work under pressure and deal with multiple projects simultaneously A good understanding of policies and programs of organizations involved in international cooperation in health, and the roles and policies of key governmental and non-governmental institutions.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Arabic.
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 64,121 (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 1608 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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