Head, HRP Secretariat

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. HRP is operated from within the World Health Organization’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). The Department draws on HRP research and global expertise to generate evidence, strengthen health systems, and impact lives through work to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines, and to support programme development in sexual and reproductive health and rights. The HRP Secretariat (SRT) is responsible for HRP governing and advisory bodies, strategic and operational planning, finance and administration, communications, global advocacy, resource mobilisation, networking, and partner engagement.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent serves as the Head of the HRP Secretariat of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), which includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). Reporting to the Director, the incumbent develops, coordinates, and provides leadership in the management of international collaborative efforts and partnerships, engaging with WHO Organization-wide management initiatives, and providing senior level management of the finance, governance, advocacy, and knowledge management activities of the Special Programme, contributing to the broader goal of improving sexual and reproductive health and rights globally. Specifically, the incumbent:

(1) Leads HRP’s programme of governance activities, including the Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC), HRP’s governing body consisting of 34 Member States and other cooperating parties. Ensures the smooth functioning of HRP’s expert advisory bodies that report to PCC, including the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) and the Gender and Rights Advisory Panel (GAP). Ensures coordination of work with HRP cosponsors through the organization of twice-yearly meetings of the HRP Standing Committee.

(2) Develops and implements policies for programme strategy development, operational planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Maintains HRP’s Theory of Change and results framework, implementing periodic updates in consultation with stakeholders. Manages monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programme, including of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables. Leads five-yearly external evaluations, following the guidance of PCC.

(3) Liaises and leverages partnerships with other UN Agencies, HRP cosponsors, donors, and research institutions in management and administration to position the technical area of work and implementation into global and/or national policies.

(4) Coordinates HRP and SRH resource mobilisation activities, including donor acquisition and retention, negotiation of agreements, and donor relationship management. Anticipates and resolves significant or delicate problems by dealing proactively and directly with senior and executive-level representatives of donors. Directs new fundraising initiatives. Negotiates with senior-level national authorities and senior/executive level officials of foundations and other donors. Collaborates with the resource mobilization office of the institution, including through investment rounds.

(5) Oversees HRP and SRH budget and finance matters. Maintains revenue projections and recommends biennial budget levels to the Standing Committee and PCC, recommending adjustment of programme implementation as needed. Manages the HRP Trust Fund and prepares annual certified reports to HRP Governing Bodies on programme income and expenditure.

(6) Oversees the development and implementation of SRH and HRP’s advocacy and knowledge management and dissemination strategy leading to global action for the achievement of international development goals related to sexual and reproductive health.

(7) Manages human resource planning and implementation for HRP and SRH, working closely with WHO Human Resources and Talent Department.

(8) Provides formal and informal briefing on the operations of the HRP Special Programme to: Member States, Cosponsors, PCC participants, HRP advisory body members, staff, and other stakeholders, and in doing so contributes to the efficient administration of the HRP Special Programme.

(9) Oversees a Unit of staff specialized within their area of expertise and facilitates the efficient flow of team synergies. Provides vision and develops, leads, and implements team activities in support of the HRP Special Programme. Promotes an environment of professional inquisitiveness that anticipates new challenges, seeks solutions, and develops and puts into action plans to address them.

(10) Perform other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in Business Administration, Management, a health technical area (such as public health) or another field related to the tasks of the position.

Desirable: Advanced University degree in public health or a field relating to sexual and reproductive health.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in international management and administration, including experience in health policies and strategies.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level, including working with/in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills

The incumbent will be a visionary and strategic professional with expert knowledge of management and administration and approaches applicable to the UN system.

• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health or disease control programme.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, developing and establishing administrative polices and strategies.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports, budgets, cash-flow projections, and other financial instruments.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Proven skills in mobilizing resources. Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners such as ministries of health, donor institutions, civil society, HRP cosponsors, and other stakeholders.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French or other UN official languages.

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 92,731 (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 6638 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 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• 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.

• 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.

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates