External Relations and Partnership Officer

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.

WHO is the directing and coordinating agency for health within the United Nations System and operates at three levels: global, regional and country. The WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), in collaboration with Inter-country Support Teams, provides technical assistance, guidance and coordination to, and for 46 countries in the African region. AFRO fosters synergies with international partners and global and regional health initiatives. The mission of the Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit is to mobilize political will and resources, build strategic alliances and partnerships, manage external relations, coordinate the work of the Regional Committee and enhance the contributions of delegations of the African Region to the work of WHO’s 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 African and international community. The External Relations Officer will work as part of a team in the Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit to assist in, facilitate and support efforts to mobilize in-kind and financial resources and build an effective service for external relations in WHO’s Regional Office for Africa. More particularly, this will comprise pro-active resource mobilization, grant management; building regional and international partnerships and support the work of the WHO Governing Bodies in AFRO.

Under the direct supervision of Coordinator, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Undertake donor research; produce and update donor profiles; contribute to the AFRO Resource Mobilization and External Relations Share-point; and assist in establishing and maintaining good relations with existing and potential donors; Assist departments and teams in the development of quality proposals, preparation of grant agreements; timely reporting; disbursement requests, no-cost extension and other relevant correspondence as relevant; Liaise with the Communication, Advocacy and Media Unit in supporting departments and teams to increase visibility of their work vis-à-vis the donor community; Provide support on engagement with partners; Provide support to the work on Governing Bodies including through maintaining a roster of partners and follow-ups with the online registrations; Support the coordination of the African Health Forum; Perform any other duties as assigned by the Coordinator, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Unit. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. 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; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Required Degree Level Master degree or equivalent Required experience 24 months Qualifications/Requirements Education - Additional Comments Type of Degree: Post-graduate degree in business administration, social sciences, public health, health policy, development studies, international relations or relevant field. Desirable: Training in project management. Experience Remark Desirable: Professional experience in an international organisation, or at country level would be an asset. Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and presentation software (Powerpoint) Excellent planning and organizational skills, with attention to detail and with the ability to multi-task and work under pressure. Diplomacy, courtesy and ability to work in a multi-cultural team.

[Brazzaville is the headquarters of the WHO Regional Office for Africa and the capital of the Republic of the Congo. It is a quiet city on the borders of the Congo river with a relatively low crime rate and as such is a family station. WHO staff live either in the WHO compound which is a 30 minutes’ drive from the center of town or in the city center. There are a range of apartments available, with all the necessary amenities including furniture but it should be noted that the cost of living in Brazzaville is relatively high. The climate is generally warm year-round with several different rainy and dry seasons. While Brazzaville is a fairly quiet city there are a range of restaurants including European, Asian (Chinese, Indian and Japanese) and bars. WHO has a medical clinic. The Republic Congo is a unique country and WHO AFRO is a unique operation. 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. https://www.unv.org].