Director, Global Coordination and Partnership

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Division is to define, advance, promote and monitor comprehensive policies and strategies that prevent, reduce, and mitigate drug-resistant infections and the overall impact of antimicrobial resistance globally based on the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and the General Programme of Work of WHO and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides global direction and strategic leadership for the global response to antimicrobial resistance in coordination with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) , United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other United Nations and international agencies and facilitates the creation of common goal and vision through innovative partnerships, political engagement and promoting multisectoral engagement and synergy across the One Health spectrum in humans, animals, plants, food, feed and the environment. Its main objective is to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of One Health National Action Plans for Member States and facilitate the mainstreaming of effective strategies and actions, including on the prevention and control of infection, awareness creation and communication, research and development in their health and development agendas in partnership with FAO, UNEP, WOAH and other key partners. The Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on AMR leads and coordinates the global One Health multisectoral response to AMR in cooperation with FAO, UNEP WOAH through the standing Quadripartite (FAO/UNEP/WOAH/WHO) Joint Secretariat on AMR in collaboration with the UN as well as other agencies, civil society, and the private sector, towards a world free from the suffering of drug-resistant infections. The Department has the following functions in line with WHO’s General Programme of Work to protect antimicrobials important for human health and mitigate drug-resistant infections: Leads the global One Health multisectoral response to AMR across the human, animal, plant, food, feed and environment sectors, through multisectoral engagement and interventions, and strengthening advocacy and awareness; Facilitates global coordination and interagency engagement and partnership for creation and sustenance of shared global vision and goals; Shapes the research and development agenda through innovation, priority setting and supporting global initiatives that enable the generation, translation and dissemination of knowledge; Facilitates, nurtures and scales up evidence-based interventions and campaigns to enhance awareness, and understanding of AMR across the One Health spectrum.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Leads the Department in providing technical expertise to Member States and other Stakeholders with guidance and technical data required for the development, implementation, and monitoring of national and/or global policies and programmes.
• Provides the overall leadership, management accountability, and direction of the Department in delivering its objectives through managing and galvanizing a diverse workforce and financial resources to optimize the department deliverables and mandate.
• Provides senior level technical advice and expertise to Senior Management in the area of area of assigned responsibilities in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area.
• Directs and leads overall establishment and development of the Department’s evidence-based policies and strategies for roll out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation.
• Oversees the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the Department’s area of work to ensure development of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to ensure optimal performance of Department deliverables.
• Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective areas.
• Promotes the integration of Regional Country Office perspectives and operational capacities into the Department’s programme area of work Builds strong partnerships and fosters consensus building with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, cutting edge research institutions and other stakeholders in the subject area to politically position the technical area of work and implementation into national and/or global policies.
• Represent the Organization and Department area of work in a diverse array of global fora to position WHO as a leader in the global health community.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties:

• Oversees and facilitates the implementation of the Global Action Plan on AMR and the Strategic Framework of the Quadripartite and forge global partnerships on antimicrobial resistance through effective coordination and collaboration with the Quadripartite agencies and other UN and international organizations, member states, non-state actors including civil society organizations, foundations and the private sector.
• Presents compelling vision and leadership through critical direction and continuous review and evidence analysis of the global One Health architecture and related policies, strategies and approaches on antimicrobial resistance including campaigns, awareness, research and development.
• Facilitates global action, priorities, advocacy and synergy for antimicrobial resistance across the One Health spectrum in humans, animals, plants, food and the environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• An advanced level university degree in Medicine, Veterinary or Microbiology related to the functions of the position.
  

Desirable:

• PhD degree in public health.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of antimicrobial resistance or related areas such as major communicable diseases and high level political advocacy at a global level with UN agencies or other international organizations.
• Experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies.
• Experience in facilitating interagency coordination or global working groups and networks within the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.
  

Desirable:

• Extensive experience in managing UN processes at the global level including working with the Quadripartite agencies, UN and other major international organizations.
• Track record of peer-reviewed articles and reports relevant to the subject area.

Skills

• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Globally-respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in antimicrobial resistance and methods to combat its advancement at global level.
• Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes.
• Proven leadership skills in management of global governing mechanisms such as working groups, networks, special envoys, interagency groups and technical partnerships particularly within the UN entities and Tripartite agencies.
• Demonstrable skills in promoting global policy, programming and advocacy for the engagement of non-state actors.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Driving the Organization’s Position in Health Leadership
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

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 117,280 (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 8923 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.

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• 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.

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