Director

Overview

Lead and direct the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.

You have:

• Advanced University degree in a relevant health systems related discipline (health policy, health economics, public health, health management or another related field).
• At least 15 years of progressively senior experience of which: At least 5 years at the international level in senior management positions.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating evidence and research to senior policymakers.
• Demonstrated experience in health-related policy-making at a national level.
• Expert knowledge of English.
• Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, German.

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 128,707 USD and 162,415 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Division of the Regional Director (RDD) provides the visionary leadership of the Region and, together with BOS, supports the Country Offices and all the other Divisions in the efficient delivery of the European Programme of Work (EPW) "United Action for Better Health (2020-2025)” through agile transformation and implementing WHO Value Charter. RDD has the overall responsibility for the planning, execution, and evaluation of WHO programmes at the regional and country levels and in strengthening the alignment and joint work across the three levels of the organization. It is the safeguard of the WHO Values Charter. It encompasses the enabling functions of resource mobilization and alliances, external relations and communications, and support to governing bodies of the WHO European Region, in addition to organization development, staff development and learning, and transformation. It also specifically includes the representative function of WHO with the institutions of the European Union, the EURO Ombudsman who reports directly and independently to the Regional Director, and the committee on staff health and wellbeing.

The Observatory's aim is to generate evidence and broker knowledge so that policymakers can take better health systems decisions and improve population health. It supports and promotes evidence-based health policymaking through comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the dynamics of health and public health systems in the WHO European Region. The Observatory is at the forefront of international health policy and systems research. The Observatory is committed to working in partnership with researchers, research centres, governments and their public health institutes and international organizations to comprehensively describe and analyse health systems and the changes they undergo: Utilizing experience from across the WHO European Region to illuminate policy issues; Looking at selected developed countries outside the WHO European Region when the comparisons to be made or the expertise to be garnered support the countries of Europe in taking evidence based decisions; Bringing together a wide range of academics, policymakers and practitioners to analyse trends in health policies and reforms; Communicating effectively with policymakers through a range of dissemination strategies; Encouraging debate about issues raised by research developments; Drawing on the strengths of our partner organizations and networks to provide evidence-based advice to national policymakers. The Observatory is hosted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe(WHO/EURO). Its governance is composed of a Steering Committee, a senior management team and staff. Its core Secretariat is based in Brussels and it also has offices in London at the London School of Economics (LSE), The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and in Berlin at the Technical University of Berlin.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To lead, inspire and direct all the functions, projects and outputs of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (OBS) partnership within the general context of health policy in the WHO European Region. To develop, communicate and realize a vision, strategy, and plan of action for the OBS as a WHO hosted partnership in line with the Partners' vision and the partnership`s mand ate as well as that of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and consistent with WHO's wider values and mission. To champion and promote health systems and the use of evidence by policy-makers as part of the strategy and approach to knowledge brokering agreed by the OBS Steering Committee.

Under the overall guidance of the OBS Steering Committee and reporting to the Regional Director, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

1. Lead and direct the OBS senior management team and guide the external contributors in the formulation of evidence to support evidence-based regional policies on health systems and policies. Promote capacity strengthening and develop and lead a strategic approach to knowledge brokering in order to strengthen the use of evidence in formulating policy within the Organization and across European Member States. Develop and lead initiatives to communicate evidence and foster impact.
2. Evaluate and maintain quality of outputs.
3. Lead the OBS senior management team to ensure effective management of human and financial resources needed to implement the OBS functions, projects, and outputs. Promote teamwork across OBS hubs and networks and coordination with technical divisions.
4. Initiate and coordinate consultation to inform the strategic direction of the partnership, enabling OBS to meet the evolving evidence needs of the WHO European Member States and their policy makers in a way that is consistent with and supportive of the WHO Regional Office for Europe's mandate and strategy in the area of health systems.
5. In the area of health systems and policies: coordinate and maintain liaison with partner agencies within the UN system as well as with other multilateral and bilateral development agencies (including development banks) and WHO Collaborating Centres for reviewing, planning, management, and evaluation of evidence for policy initiatives; work in close partnership as appropriate and strategically necessary; and actively mobilize resources.
6. Support Member States in their overall efforts to mobilize evidence for health systems and policies and to develop and apply evidence informed policy and practice in all strategic areas as required. Advise Member States on innovative actions as anchored in a solid evidence base in coordination with, technical units at regional and country levels, as well as with national authorities.
7. Within WHO's framework for hosted partnerships and in collaboration with senior OBS, staff support the OBS Partners and the Steering Committee in shaping strategy and policy; achieving effective governance; and managing the partnership and its development. Coordinate with the appropriate WHO/Headquarters bodies working on hosted partnerships as required and take the necessary measures to maintain the partnership as an effective team within WHO as host. Maintain other hosting arrangements with hubs and represent OBS externally.
8. Support the Regional Director as part of the technical secretariat for the WHO governing bodies (World Health Assembly, Executive Board, Regional Committee, and the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC)) and other senior management and advisory meetings and serve as a member of such senior advisory bodies as the Regional Director requires.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the OBS Steering Committee and the Regional Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in a relevant health systems related discipline (health policy, health economics, public health, health management or another related field). Desirable: PhD in a relevant health systems related discipline (health policy, health economics, public health, health management or another related field).

Experience

Essential: At least 15 years of progressively senior experience of which: At least 5 years at the international level in senior management positions and/or positions that required strong public health leadership. Demonstrated experience in communicating evidence and research to senior policy makers. Experience at strategic level in leading an international partnership or project involving significant collaboration with various partners/stakeholders. Demonstrated experience in health-related policy-making at a national level, and/or Demonstrated experience in working with academic institutions in the area of health systems. Desirable: Demonstrated track record in managing human resources and in WHO technical programme management. Experience in management of health programmesin the area of evidence generation, and knowledge brokering.

Skills

Strategic and technical knowledge of a comprehensive range of health system and policy areas and of research methods and of the health policy and research environment in Europe. Strong networking skills to leverage engagement of researchers, academics, institutions on heath policy and systems and WHO Collaborating Centres. Ability to effectively communicate with, foster and facilitate understanding and collaboration between multiple stakeholders, such as academia and policymakers, OBS partners and international agencies, as well as professionals from diverse professional backgrounds. Demonstrated effective leader skills including high level strategic thinking and strategy planning/development skills in a multi-disciplinary context. Demonstrated managerial competence to oversee and work with a broad range of collaborators and stakeholders including but not limited to international agencies. Competence to effectively oversee operations and key external knowledge resources. Political and diplomatic skills. Thorough knowledge of the fields of evidence generation and knowledge brokering. Thorough understanding of WHO's mission, goals, policies, and an ability to work within its rules and regulations. High Emotional Intelligence: Ability to identify and harness one's emotions and apply them to tasks; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes both regulating one's own emotions when necessary and helping others to do the same.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Driving the Organization to a Successful Future Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, German.

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 106,023 (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 4188 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 are strongly encouraged to apply.

https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

• 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.

• 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 at [email protected].

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

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