Programme Assistant Roster

The mission of the Division of Health Emergencies (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The incumbent provides administrative support to staff in one of the work areas of the Country office. WHO maintains a roster of candidates willing to accept temporary contracts. Eligibility to the roster and subsequently eligibility for contracts will depend on candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position, the terms of references of the assignment and the scores achieved in test and interview. Contract length is dependent upon demand of the office. As appropriate to the level of the position, the duties and responsibilities may include some of all of the following:

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

As part of a unit team, the incumbent performs a variety of secretarial, coordinating, monitoring and administrative services in support of project/programme activities, as follows:

• Drafts correspondence and documents based on written/verbal prompts from the Professional staff of the unit(s) and Country Office. Independently composes and finalizes correspondence of administrative nature. Revises unit correspondence, reports, and documents for proper form and (non-technical) content. Takes notes at meetings. Types reports and other documentation. Arranges duty travel.
• Scans, records, refers and follows up correspondence and documents, evaluates the urgency or critical nature of items, and brings them to the attention of the responsible staff. Informs and reminds responsible staff of follow-up dates and deadlines for response or specific actions, supplying supporting material as appropriate. Periodically updates supervisor and team members on the program implementation status, and potential issues and opportunities.
• Using ERP system (GSM) and other corporate tools, monitors aspects of the implementation of activities and availability of funds for project/programme budget levels and financial expenditures, according to the approved projects. Assembles draft background for planning, monitoring and evaluation exercises. Inputs duty travel recommendations and issues reminders re follow up, records project/programme monitoring and evaluation notes.
• Makes administrative arrangements for country and inter country activities including preparation of various committal documents related to procurement of goods and services, arrangements of study tours and duty travel as per corporate guidelines, and in accordance with the approved programme budget/collaborative programmes with countries.
• Assists in the organization of meetings held in-house or in Member States (working groups, seminars/courses, workshops, and symposia), i.e.: makes administrative preparations, including organization of practical local arrangements, advance transport of documents/equipment and hospitality. Provides administrative and secretarial support during the meetings, and pays per diem to participants if required. Prepares administrative reports.
• Establishes and maintains the unit’s filing system of technical documents and correspondence. Creates background files and compiles reference material as appropriate. Accesses and retrieves information from relevant databases and updates as required.
• Responds to and acts on telephone enquiries. Assesses the critical nature of technical enquiries and refers them to appropriate staff for reply. Coordinates appointments for supervisor(a), team members and organizes programmes for visitors.
• Provides briefing and guidance to all staff on general office practices and procedures; assists/replaces colleagues in the team and performs other related duties as required.
• In coordination with technical and admin team takes proactive role and assist with the preparation of donor proposals and donor reports (financial and resource management components), and timely management of resources.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: Equivalent to graduation from secondary school or technical or commercial school.
• Desirable: Higher education from an accredited educational institution an asset.

Experience

• Essential: At least 5 years of relevant experience in the in the secretarial/administrative field OR 3 years of relevant experience in the in the secretarial/administrative field with a First level university Degree in public or business administration or any other relevant degree.
• Desirable: Experience in an international environment or institution. Relevant experience in WHO or in the UN.

Use of language skills

• Essential: Excellent knowledge of English and Local language.
• Desirable: Knowledge of any other official UN language.

Source:https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403632