External Relations and Governing Bodies

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Female candidates from the African continent are strongly encouraged to apply as the assignment is part of African Women Health Champions Initiative, Regional Director's flagship initiative to diversify WHO workforce in terms of gender, age, geographical representation and language.

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.

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 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 • Further development and consolidation of Partners platform and database • Support the planning and organization of the third WHO Africa Health Forum • Support any other assignments in the Unit as may be required.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to WHO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Support the organization and running of Regional Committee meetings o Support the organization and running of the preparatory sessions for global Governing Bodies' meetings o Support the coordination of the preparation of documents for the Regional Committee o Support the review of applications for accreditation of non-State actors to participate in the Regional Committee meetings. o Prepare draft briefing notes, summary reports, run-of-shows, talking points and presentations for meetings. o Manage correspondence with meetings' participants.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and WHO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WHO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

the national and/or international level; experience in the organization of high-level events, partner relations, law and/or health. • 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;

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.