External Relations Officer

As part of the RMB Unit under the leadership of the Unit Head, the incumbent will work in close cooperation with the rest of the unit, technical divisions and WHO country offices to provide expertise to and build the capacity of all relevant WHO/Europe technical units and country offices as regards EU partnership and related funding opportunities.

Duties:

• Act as WHO/Europe RMB focal point for the EU. In this context, monitor relevant EU funding opportunities, ensure EURO technical units and country offices are informed and equipped to apply to relevant funding opportunities and support them in the negotiation of EU agreements.
• Organise regular capacity-building/training sessions on different aspects of knowing the EU as a partner, designing and managing EU grants, including contractual and financial aspects, reporting, communication and visibility, governance, managing relations with EU counterparts and other dimensions of the EU project cycle.
• Organise internal kick-off meetings with relevant technical units and WHO country offices for all new EU agreements signed by WHO/Europe, bringing together relevant project team members to go over the different important dimensions of the project.
• Monitor the implementation of EU projects across WHO/Europe and ensure project teams are aware of important deadlines related to the implementation of EU projects.
• Organize quarterly review meetings with project teams implementing EU projects to assess progress on implementation, identify issues and potential solutions.
• Provide EU expert advice to technical units and country offices upon request.
• Ensure proper engagement and information sharing with the relevant EU counterparts in Brussels/Luxembourg and in the EU delegations on a regular basis.
• Develop reporting guidelines and templates for use by technical units and country offices.
• Contributes to the preparation of briefing notes etc. for WHO/Europe’s Executive Council (ECO) and WHO/Europe Regional Director (RD) related to relevant issues within the area of responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

Education:

Essential:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s level) in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, Development Studies, EU studies, Economics or Public Health from an accredited/recognized institute.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 5 years of professional experience at national and/or international level working directly with the EU, including on aspects related to resource mobilization, external/donor relations or project/programme management, preferably as part of development/international cooperation bilateral/multilateral ministries/agencies or global health initiatives.

Skills:

• Direct knowledge and experience of working in a complex international environment with the EU as a partner. Familiarity with the WHO work and policies in the areas of public health, health systems or health promotion. Emotional intelligence: Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.

Language Skills:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2406749