Urban Health Initiative Officer – UN jobs in Ghana

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Recalling resolution WHA61.19 (2008) on climate change and health, the WHA resolution 68.8 (2015) on addressing the health impacts of air pollution, and the WHA76.17 (2023) which recognize the link between health, environment and climate change WHO’s Interventions for Healthy Environments (IHE) unit of the department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE) is implementing activities to strengthen the health sector to address the health impact of climate change,respond to air pollution and its sources in different settlements in developing countries as a key measure to prevent air pollution related diseases. The WHO Office in Ghana is recruiting a National Professional Officer (NPO/CHE) Urban Health to support implementation of climate change air pollution and other environmental determinants of health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Technical support:The National Professional Officer will serve as a technical resource to the government and other partners to develop, and implement national programmes to promote key objectives and targets in the identification and management of environmental risk factors to human health, climate change and health. Propose national initiatives, policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with national authorities in the areas of environmental health, climate change and health. Support the implementation of multilateral agreements on environment, climate change and health. Undertake situational analysis and needs assessment for addressing health and environment challenges and linkages to ensure adequate technical and strategic support for the country in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of joint national action plans. Provide assistance for various activities, including data collection and literature research, as well as stakeholder engagement and facilitation of activities at the local level. Plan and organize programs for capacity building on environmental and climate health initiatives and other related cross cutting areas in Ghana and in the AFRO region. Monitor country specific developments in respect to the assigned programmatic areas covered and conduct reporting to the regional office/ Headquarters so that these findings can be analyzed for strategy development purposes.Liaise with national counterparts, technicaldepartments at HQ, donors, and development partners (UN and bilateral institutions)to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to theprogramme and resolve issues or concerns and seek funding for new projects and initiativesProgramme management and logistical support:Maintain good working relationships with national and local health authorities, different municipalities, local universities, as well as other local implementing partners. Organize and support WHO work for capacity building, meetings and seminars with stakeholders and experts. Support the preparation of work plans, budgets for local activities involving stakeholder consultation and field research in close cooperation with WCO team, WHO/AFRO and WHO HQ staff working on the Urban Health climate change and the health impacts of air pollution. Monitor project activities and expenses against local project work plan and budget and provide regular updates on progress and results. Act as a local focal point for the gathering, recording and reporting of information and data on the exposure and effects of climate change, air pollution and related policies and interventions. Respond to inquiries national or other institutions, and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.Participate in WHO Country Office teamactivities andanyother tasksassigned by the WR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Minimum education required is a first degree in Public Health, Environmental Health/Science or a closely related field from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable: A Post Graduate Degree in Public Health, Environmental Epidemiology or Climate Changerelated would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in managing international development and/or research projects, and a minimum of two years of professional experience in quantitative research in the fields of public health and/or international development
Desirable: Extensive experience of five (5) or more years in managing international development and/or research projects.Work experience in international development or within a UN agency or international organization would be a strong asset.

Skills

Proven ability to coordinate and manage internationaldevelopment and/or research projects (including data collection s well as Expertisein Climate Change, Health and Environment, with broad, practical knowledge ofrelated programmes, policies and strategies and their application incommunities and the health systems.Proven ability to work in a team and with a widenetwork of partners.Experience in working across sectors.Strong capacity to communicate and write in aclear and concise manner. Communication skills include establishing of contactsand interviewing project stakeholders (e.g. health care workers and administrators).Ability to work in multi-disciplinaryenvironments.Knowledge of the UN and broader humanitarian anddevelopment environment.Knowledge of common office software applicationsand willingness and capacity to keep abreast of new technologies. Understanding of Ghana’s National Health CareSystem, its structure and processes.Understanding of key components of climate, environmentand health issues.Experience in quantitative research (desirable).

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

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

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at GHS 363,096 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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 [email protected]

• 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 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.

• 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 [email protected].

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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