OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
Addressing preventable maternal deaths and promoting and protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are crucial to the wellbeing of all people and to enabling them to contribute to the overall development of their communities and societies. The World Health Organization's (WHO), 13th General Programme of Work (GPW 13) recognizes that access to SRHR can only be fully achieved through Universal Health Coverage (UHC), promotion of better health and well-being, and meeting the needs of those living in humanitarian settings, i.e. all three of WHO's strategic priorities. Within this framework, this programme will focus on supporting countries to reduce preventable maternal morbidity and mortality in particular from unsafe abortion.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of: Medical Officer, Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) and under overall guidance of the Director, UHC/ Family Health, Gender and Life Course (FGL) and in coordination with relevant technical counterparts, the incumbent will carry out the following principal duties:
1. Manage the work of the programme within the Office, including the development of road maps and innovative strategies for implementation of the programme objectives.
2. Provide sustained and intensive technical support at the country level, including the Head of WHO Country Office, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and other stakeholders to: (i) build capacity of health systems, in particular health workforce and health financing(ii) effectively and equitably deliver comprehensive services.
3. Develop, implement and monitor work plans and budgets aimed at integrating reproductive and maternal health as integral components of countries' health care and Universal Health Coverage.
4. Conduct monitoring and evaluation of programmes linked to sexual and reproductive health and rights and provide technical recommendations and analysis on progress made, while addressing challenges.
5. Conduct resource mobilization efforts required to support full project implementation.
6. Prepare timely technical and analytical reports on programme performance.
7. Serve as a technical resource in providing technical expertise in sexual reproduction and reproductive health rights.
8. Liaise and coordinate with national counterparts, technical departments in country, regional and headquarters offices, donors, and other UN partners to realize project objectives.
9. Mentor and supervise as needed other staff and consultants working on this programme.
10.Perform all other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Advanced level university degree in public health or medicine
Desirable: Additional specialization in reproductive health
Experience
Essential: A minimum of seven (7) years of combined national and international professional experience in supporting reproductive and maternal health programs, including work on preventing unsafe abortion. Demonstrated experience of working in and with reproductive and maternal health in low- and/or middle-income countries. Experience of managing and working in multidisciplinary technical teams.
Desirable: Relevant experience within one of the countries that are a focus of this programme. Experience in providing programmatic and/or technical assistance through or within the UN system. Proven track record of strong writing skills
Skills
The incumbent will have a sound technical knowledge of public health aspects of unsafe abortion. Strong knowledge and technical skills in sexual health and human rights. S/he will have a demonstrated ability to work with multiple external partners in different countries and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside of the UN system. The incumbent will also exhibit tact and maturity in dealing with sensitive topics. Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, intercultural communication skills and political acumen. Demonstrated ability to understand and work on complex policy and programme issues related to SRHR in general and preventing unsafe abortion in particular.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:
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 77,326 (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 2713 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:ย 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 theย 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.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.
- 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 atย 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:ย http://www.who.int.
In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications:ย Instructions for candidates
ย