General
Description of assignment title: External Relations, Governing Bodies
Assignment country: Congo
Expected start date: 07/06/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: WHO
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Brazzaville
Details
Mission and objectives
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations Public Health Organization established in 1948. The objective of the World Health Organization shall be the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. World Health Organization achieves its goals by performing its essential functions: 1. Take a leadership role in key health issues and create partnerships when joint action is needed; 2. Set research priorities and encourage the acquisition, application and dissemination of useful knowledge; 3. Setting standards and criteria and encouraging and monitoring them; 4. Develop ethical and evidence-based policies 5. Provide technical support, be an agent of change and build institutional capacity in a sustainable way; 6. Monitor health status and assess health trends.
Context
The mission of the External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies Unit of the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO) is to mobilize political will and resources, build strategic alliances and partnerships, manage external relations, coordinate the work of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (Regional Committee) and enhance the contributions of delegations of the African Region to the work of WHO’s global Governing Bodies in support of the achievement of regional health goals. The Unit manages WHO/AFRO’s relationship with the international community by contributing to the positioning of the Organization’s regional health priorities into the agenda of the international community and in positioning the Organization to attain technical and strategic recognition within the regional setting.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies lead or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer External Relations Officer, Governing Bodies will:
- Support the regional accreditation of non-state actors not in official relations with WHO
- Support the invitations and participation of non-State actors to the Regional Committee
- Support the preparation of the briefing sessions for Member States and non-State actors in preparation for the Regional Committee
- Support the technical and logistical preparations for governing body meetings at a Global and Regional Level.
- Further development and consolidation of Partners platform and database
- Support any other assignments in the Unit as may be required.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in
- Required education level: Bachelor degree or equivalent in international relations, law, public health, social studies, business administration, communications, or a related field;
- Required experience: At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level experience in the organization of high-level events, partner relations, law and/or health.
- Desirable experience: Experience in WHO, other UN organizations or multilateral setting would be an asset;
- Area(s) of expertise: Health, Legal affairs, Development programmes, Governance or a related field.
Area(s) of expertise
Health, Legal affairs, Development programmes
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in
- Health, Legal affairs, Development programmes, Governance or a related field.
Competencies and values
- Planning and organizing
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Communication
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy