Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objectives of the WHO Office at the UN (WUN) are to:

• Improve, on behalf of all WHO, its engagement with the UN system;
• Better position health in the debates and decisions of UN, inter-governmental bodies;
• Anchor health in the global 2030 sustainable development agenda;
• Strengthen WHO's effectiveness and leadership role in health as part of the UN humanitarian system;
• Create and sustain effective networks and coalitions with the relevant UN agencies and other stakeholders, based on shared agendas for substantive work;
• Contribute to a coherent and effective UN system at global, regional and country levels.

The WHO Office at the United Nations (WUN) represents the interests of WHO at the United Nations (UN) and functions as the Organization's main interlocutor with the UN system in New York. The WHO Office at the United Nations facilitates the participation of WHO and its Director-General in meetings of the UN Security Council, the General Assembly of the UN, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as well as other intergovernmental forums, interagency briefings, events and interaction with media including the UN Press Corps.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Provide and coordinate inputs for reports prepared by WHO to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and UN General Assembly (UNGA).
• Work with and support Member States to strengthen health-related language in UN resolutions on noncommunicable diseases and mental health, climate change, food security and nutrition, road safety, ageing and disabilities, as well as environmental and social determinants of health.
• Provide content to official documents, speeches and talking points, briefing notes, press releases and statements, including UN Secretary General's reports.
• Promote WHO policies, positions and interests in noncommunicable diseases and mental health, climate change, food security and nutrition, road safety, ageing and disabilities, as well as environmental and social determinants of health with various New York-based stakeholders, including through the active participation in relevant conferences and meetings.
• Systematically engage in thematic sessions, including the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF); Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); Commission on Social Development (CSocD), and the Commission on Population and Development.
• Provide substantive support to high-level, consultative and other meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Promote and support the development of relevant networks, alliances, and multi-stakeholder partnerships in order to advance the interests of the Organization in noncommunicable diseases and mental health, climate change, food security and nutrition, road safety, ageing and disabilities, as well as environmental and social determinants of health.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree from a recognized university in political science, international relations, diplomacy or other field related to the function.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in public health, political science, international relations, diplomacy or other field related to the function.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of five years of experience in global health diplomacy and in a multi-sectorial/multi-agency environment. Demonstrated experience at the international level and with inter-governmental negotiations.
Desirable: Experience in one or more UN agencies. Experience in noncommunicable diseases and mental health.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization, using tact and diplomacy in dealing with politically sensitive situations. Sound understanding of the UN development agenda, within the health context. Strong public health and strategic thinking background showing resourcefulness, initiative, leadership qualities and skills to deal with difficult situations and sensitive settings. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues..

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of one of the other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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 62,120 (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 3587 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 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.

• 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.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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