OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Assistant Regional Directors Cluster at WHO in the African Region is responsible for cross cutting technical functions and expert advisory services. It works closely with countries and programme areas across various clusters that include ULC, UCN, HPD and EPR to prepare WHO and Member States for evidence-informed decisions and harness cutting-edge research for health improvements in the African Region. The cluster coordinates work on strategic priorities such as integrated service delivery, diagnostic and laboratory services, and antimicrobial resistance, ensuring these priorities are integrated into programs and progress towards UHC and One Health approach goals. The cluster supports Member States in developing and expanding access to these services.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Maintain the Assistant Regional Director (ARD)’s agenda and calendar by scheduling meetings; redirect visitors and callers as necessary; Draft general or administrative correspondence on own initiative or on the basis of instructions; finalize correspondence/reports for signature/clearance. Ensure effective and timely follow-up on requests for information, briefings and other actions, emanating from the office of the Assistant Regional Director (ARD), liaising with units/teams, as appropriate Analyze incoming correspondence and requests in the light of background material, instructions, policies and precedents, researching, obtaining and attaching background information in anticipation of the responsible officer’s needs. Coordinate compilation of technical documents requested of and provided by professional staff, other Clusters or Programmes to ensure they are logically compiled, formatted and assembled to facilitate the work of the Director; Ensure that such documents are in line with WHO standards, rules, practices and procedures, editing and correcting them as necessary prior to their submission for signature or clearance of relevant authority. In close collaboration with other support staff, create and/or maintain filing systems; review filing system regularly to ensure information is up-to-date and effectively and efficiently used. Arrange, coordinate and lead administrative preparation for meetings, seminars, workshops organized by the ARD Office; Obtain briefing and background materials for meetings, seminars, workshops organized by ARD office, etc.; Using GSM, prepare travel requests for official WHO travel for ARD staff. Make flight and hotel reservations, perform liaison duties with other units, prepare travel files, briefing documents/materials, papers and reports for use on official trips or special meetings, request security clearance, etc. Update regularly the Cluster Directors’ missions and leaves file. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary school education or its equivalent in technical or commercial education.
Desirable: Training in secretarial skills and/or in an administrative field is desirable.

Experience

Essential: At least ten (10) years of work experience in secretarial/administrative assistant positions in a recognized public or private institution.
Desirable: At least five (5) years’ work experience in WHO. Experience in administrative support positions within WHO or another UN agency is an asset. Experience in Oracle-based systems or another ERP-like system is an asset.

Skills

• Ability to multi-task and complete assignments with efficiency, adhering to deadlines and emergency/shifting priorities.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with a confirmed ability to switch priorities at short notice, as and when required. Ability to act independently and exercise mature judgment.
• Strong communication, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal with staff at all levels. Awareness of WHO rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
• He/ she is able to brief and explain procedures to other members Staff.
• Tact, discretion, and ability to keep the information confidential are essential. Incumbent is expected to maintain computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Global Management System (GSM).

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Intermediate knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable:

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 XAF 14,437,000 (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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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 shws@who.int.

• 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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