Technical Officer (Strategic Planning and Partnership)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Partnership Officer (GHEC coordination) and the overall leadership of the Director Strategic Planning and Partnerships, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and tasks:

• Design templates and establish required information flows with the GHEC network secretariats and including regional teams with the aim to track progress against the overall objectives of the GHEC and develop reporting and related information products for internal and external dissemination through WHO and the GHEC networks.

• Develop, implement and adapt a communication strategy for the GHEC to fit within the global strategy of WHO’s Department of Communications and complementary to the individual network’s communication practices and strategies, with a view to promoting and strengthening common approaches and messaging.

• Identify tailored communications opportunities on the GHEC and tailor the development of products to different audiences with a view to amplifying the intended impact.

• Develop public facing documents such as regular newsletters, reports and advocacy material.

• Draft presentations, policy briefs, advocacy papers and other documentation to support the strategic aims of the GHEC.

• Plan for and assist in the execution of meetings of the GHEC working group and steering group, from agenda-setting to taking minutes, and reporting and monitoring follow-up actions.

• Assist with the regular monitoring of the implementation of the deliverables of the joint workplan.

• Lead the development and updating of a dedicated website on the GHEC and keeps it up to date.

• As assigned, organize, support, facilitate and/or participate in internal and external meetings, workshops, working group meeting.

• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level university in social sciences, public policy, public health, emergency management, journalism, public relations, communications or any other field related to the functions of the post.
Desirable: Professional training in the field of communications, online communication tools, including website design and management. Advanced-level university degree in any of the relevant areas.

Experience

Essential: At least five (5) years of experience in communications and reporting work in the context of (health) emergency preparedness and response, humanitarian affairs, crisis/emergency management. Proven experience in writing reports and in the production of communication materials and products. Demonstrated exposure to the international context.
Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization. Experience in managing publishing and clearance processes.

Skills

• Good understanding of the global, regional and country health emergency preparedness and response architecture and ongoing initiatives to strengthen the global health architecture.
• Strong planning, organizing and communication skills and being able to work in an intercultural environment.
• Ability to communicate and write in a clear and concise manner.
• Tactful, and sensitive to issues and needs of external partners and countries.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 64,121 (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 4879 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.
• 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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