Technical Officer (Information and knowledge management) – P2  

Important – Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of Belgium. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

Programme/Department

Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) including the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department:

The World Health Organization’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); 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. The Department draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

Assignment Summary:

Under the guidance of the Head of the HRP Secretariat   the Technical Officer (TO), organizes compelling dissemination materials in support of the activities and outputs of the Department of Reproductive Health and Research (including the Special Programme of HRP). 

The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will collaborate with staff, and in particular the knowledge management and partnership teams within the HRP Secretariat, of related HQ Departments, (notably the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research unit), WHO Regional Office staff, and WHO country office staff to plan, develop and coordinate work on specific knowledge management and dissemination products and projects. Under the direction of the supervisor, the JPO will also liaise with staff of partner agencies, such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS and the World Bank, as well as with research institutions, non-governmental organizations, government and other stakeholders. The position calls for political sensitivity, as the agendas are complex and not always clearly aligned.

Achieving the learning objectives

Learning Objective

Training Components

When?

1.

Understanding of the different agendas that play a role in the development and dissemination of successful dissemination materials (civil societies, States, pressure groups etc) By working under the supervision of a knowledge management officer experienced in the field. The JPO will receive comprehensive briefings prior to commencing a piece of work that include a discussion on any subject sensitivities.  Throughout the assignment.

2.

Understanding of WHO’s work in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights and the role of the UN UNDP UNFPA UNICEF WHO World Bank Human Reproduction Programme. Understanding of the role of States, agencies and non-State actors in developing the work of WHO and the HRP Special Programme The JPO will have the opportunity to attend (i) Gender and Advisory Panel (GAP) meeting that provides guidance to the Department on gender aspects of its research and normative work; (ii) Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) meeting that guides the scientific work of the Department and Special Programme; and (iii) the Policy and Coordination Committee meeting which is the Governing Body meeting of the HRP Special Programme. 

GAP meeting held each January

STAG meeting held each February

PCC meeting held each March

3.

The JPO will have an opportunity to learn about the latest research on a wide range of issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The scope of work is wide and varied and includes work on contraception, maternal health, safe abortion, STIs, cervical cancer, HIV, infertility and subfertility, violence against women, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, digital innovations, work in emergency and humanitarian settings. The Department publishes approximately 200 journal articles each year and 30 new WHO publications, all of which will pass through the Secretariat office. The JPO will have the opportunity to review those materials and learn about the latest research and current thinking from clinical and programme management perspectives on a wide variety of issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. In 2019, RHR will be involved in 5 international conferences on a range of SRHR subjects, and 21 international days across the year 

The progress towards achieving the objectives will be evaluated annually by the JPO together with the first and second level supervisors. Achievement will be against WHO’s Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). 

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations

(1) To support formulation of dissemination strategies and carry out specific activities to further develop and expand HRP’s presence on digital media; including monitoring online discussions relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues, intervening where appropriate to correct misinformation or to contribute relevant and related work or factual information from HRP.

(2) To support the development and implementation of dissemination campaigns for specific events, conferences or international days of relevance to SRHR.

(3) To support the development, and implementation of knowledge management products to be used for the publication of new guidelines, estimates or research results. To disseminate and promote these materials to relevant stakeholders to ensure their amplification. In particular, to leverage existing platforms operated by HRP and WHO.

(4) To monitor and undertake an analysis of HRP’s existing knowledge management and dissemination strategy and make recommendations on whether there is a need for additional or different approaches for HRP, bearing in mind financial and personnel constraints.

(5) To support the development and implementation of other advocacy and knowledge management activities, working in coordination with HRP and WHO staff.

(6) To carry out other tasks as required by the supervisory line.

WHO competencies required for the assignment:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Minimum: Advanced university degree in knowledge management, journalism, public health, women’s studies, gender and development,  health sciences or related area

Work experience:

Minimum: At least 2 years’ work experience in direct management and implementation of digital media dissemination platforms.

Desirable: Experience working in digital media in UN organizations or agencies, other similar institutions or foundations in support to developing countries; field experience in developing countries.

Skills required for the assignment:

Minimum: Expert knowledge of social media platforms. Ability to write in excellent English. Proficiency in the use of standard office software programmes.

Desirable: Knowledge of other languages would be desirable. Knowledge of Adobe creative suite.

Nationality: Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of Belgium. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

Age Requirement: not older than 32 years of age as of 31 December of the year of application.

Attachments needed (please note that once the application is submitted in the system, you cannot go back to upload documents or edit information): 

• A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you’re the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements 
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Master degree

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at the UN:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

The UN does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters 

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination – UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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