OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Office of the Regional Director (RDO) has the overall responsibility for planning, execution and evaluation of WHO programmes at the regional and country level and in strengthening the alignment and joint work across the three levels of the organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer and the overall guidance of the Regional Director, the Administrative Assistant will perform the following tasks:

• Act as focal point for the Regional Director’s duty and statutory travel, engaging in positive responses to a changing environment and promoting workable solutions to deliver timely and quality results.
• In coordination with Country Cooperation Unit (CCU), prepare relevant background documentation/briefing material and preparation of comprehensive travel files containing session documents as well as documentation of bilateral/side meetings.
• In coordination with CCU, arrange logistics, monitor progress of required documentation/information for High Level Government Officials visits to EMRO, including newly appointed EM MOHs, high-level dignitaries and delegations from other UN agencies and/or WHO Partners etc.
• In coordination with the Executive Officer, follow-up on RD’s addresses/messages with technical units/departments ensuring that the documents are prepared and received according to the set deadline. Create, maintain, update and monitor access to specific RD’s personal files, ensuring accurate and appropriate filing of confidential and sensitive information.
• In coordination with the Executive Assistant, arrange the Regional Director’s travel commitments and rearrange schedules disrupted by unexpected events and urgent requests. Support the Executive Assistant and the Protocol Officer in organizing internal visits which include initiating and processing the Regional Director’s Hospitality and courtesy items in GSM, including procurement of services, completing necessary documentation, and following up with concerned parties on the receipt of deliverables and finalization of payments.
• Being the focal point for EMRO’s Governments Officials List on WHO Intranet, liaise and follow-up with country offices to ensure that all records/lists are up-to-date and well maintained. Related reviews and updates are performed on periodic basis and as and when there is a change, including cabinet changes/reshuffle and appointments of new Ministers of Health and other ministers in EM countries.
• Ensure all lists in RDO for record management of cross-cutting/view initiatives are updated and maintained; manage input to EMRO’s Official List of Addresses (OLA), ensuring the provision of the most updated information to its users, including enhancements.
• Act as Leave Administrator for RDO staff/staff falling under RDO.
• Support the Executive Assistant in recording and screening with diligence incoming correspondence/circular letters in Arabic, ensuring that correspondence/documents submitted for the Regional Director’s clearance/signature are prepared according to WHO rules, practices and procedures, redrafting/correcting and returning to units /departments for action as necessary.
• Assist/replace administrative staff in the Department, and perform other relevant duties within their scope of responsibility as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary education supplemented by training in related administrative fields.
Desirable: University degree in business administration, social sciences, or related field is an asset.

Experience

Essential: At least 8 years’ progressive experience in administrative positions.
Desirable: Previous related experience within a UN/international organization.

Skills

• Excellent time management and stress management skills.

• Excellent analytical skills.

• Thorough knowledge and the ability to apply WHO/UN rules, manuals, practices, procedures and WHO Style Guide.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Arabic.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at USD 19,633 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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].

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements