Executive Officer with WHO Sudan

Mission and objectives

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. Who we are Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. What we do WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.

Context

As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to WHO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

o The WR is supported in the preparation of statements that represent WHO’s overall policies and which highlight specific areas of concern.

o The WR is supported in the efforts to raise the profile of WHO and the agency’s concerns within the context of the broader United Nations system.

o The flow of information to the office of the WR is well-managed and streamlined.

o Team Leads are supported to provide timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or the approval of the WR.

o The WR is well prepared for meetings and missions in terms of quality research and prepared talking points

o Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

o A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the WHO Representative (WR), WHO Sudan or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the IUNV will:

o Follow-up on policies and instructions presented by the WR. Keep the WR aware of developments in WHO’s major world-wide operations and of policy issues related directly to WHO or to humanitarian issues under the broader UN system.

o May assist the WR in drafting regular information notes to HQ/EMRO that provide briefings on areas of concern to WHO and that propose areas where action by HQ/EMRO would further the objectives of the Office.

o Contribute to coordinating drafts of position papers and other documents relevant to the activities of the office.

o Assist the WR in the preparation of statements that represent WHO’s overall policies and which highlight specific areas of concern. Propose and draft substantive correspondence for the WR.

o Support in efforts to raise the profile of WHO and the agency’s concerns within the context of the broader United Nations system.

o Manage the flow of information to the office of the WR, identify priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the WR and propose actions; analyze supporting documentation and summarizing the most relevant points; ensure that appropriate action is taken by responsible Team Leads on matters brought to the attention of the WR.

o Confer with Team Leads to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or the approval of the WR.

o Ensure that the WR is prepared for meetings and missions by drafting talking points, by researching relevant information; and by establishing contacts (within and outside WHO) on the subject matters to be discussed.

o Accompany the WR to meetings and on missions in order to prepare notes on the discussions, ensure follow-up in matters raised, and support him with any relevant input.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in external relations, public affairs or international development cooperation, preferably within the UN, or in a government institution, NGO is required and prior experience of working in coordination, planning, or in an executive office will be an asset.

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge

• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges and propose changes.

• Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies

• Excellent drafting and editing skills

• Excellent communication skills

• High standards of tact, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team, coping with pressure and setbacks, as well as responding and adapting to change.

• Strong analytical skills, drive for results, as well as planning and organizing skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.

• Ability to work proactively and with minimal supervision, following instructions, procedures and policies, and keeps to schedules delivering work on time.

• Excellent time management skills to deal with conflicting and urgent priorities.

• Have affinity with or interest in health in emergencies volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Crisis and emergency response, Administration

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Port Sudan is a Category E hardship duty station and non-family duty station. The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for the Port Sudan duty station is 4 weeks. Movement of international staff is restricted and takes place in UN vehicles. Working for the UN in Sudan provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. As this is an international UN Volunteer specialist assignment, the HE will be responsible for arranging volunteer housing. International UN Volunteers receive a volunteer living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies from one location to another depending on local living costs, but all International UN Volunteers specialists in the same location receive the same allowance. Below is a summary of the Conditions of Service. Allowances The purpose of allowances for international UN Volunteers specialists is to enable the international UN Volunteers to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for volunteer work.

Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): All international UN Volunteers specialists are entitled to a monthly volunteer living allowance of USD 3,764.43 The purpose of this allowance is to cover the basic living costs of the international UN Volunteer. The allowance is to ensure that the volunteer can sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. The monthly allowance rate is a fixed rate for the duty station as established by UNV headquarters.

Other benefits include entry and exit lump-sum, travel, life and medical insurance, dependency policy and much more.