External Relations 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.

The external relations unit of the Country Office will strengthen the Country Office in resource mobilization, advocacy and partnerships with all relevant partners, including non-state actors. The External Relations Officer will serve as the principal advisor to the WHO Representative (WR) and country office, in resource mobilization, advocacy and partnership activities. As a key member of the Country Office Senior Management Team (SMO), the External Relations Officer will manage the coordination, expansion, development and oversight of the country offices' funding and associated partnerships. He/She will also oversee the office’s communication efforts and provide technical supervision to the Communications Officer.

Reporting to the Programme Management Officer and under the overall guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office, the EXO will continue to implement a resource mobilization plan for the country based on the needs expressed in the country support plans. He/She will research existing and potential donors; develop proposals, donor briefings, reports and updates; ensuring compliance with WHO and donor requirements. The incumbent will coordinate the overall and day-to-day activities to secure rapid and sustainable funding for the effective implementation of the country support plans and ensure accurate, timely reporting.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer the UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks:

• Finalize and implement an innovative resource mobilization action plan for the Country Office to ensure sustainable financing for core and emergency activities; • Research the interests and application requirements of the main donors and other sources of funding to the country office; • Draft proposals, donor briefing notes, reports and updates to ensure accurate and timely reporting; • Represent WHO in the Health Cooperating Partners Group and coordinate WHO inputs to any joint undertaking; • Maintain partner relations through innovative approaches (e.g, quarterly partner briefing); while concisely, clearly and convincingly communicating WHO yearly/biennial strategic direction; • Oversee overall activities related to mobilization of resources, grants management, funding needs and gaps and the awards process; • Proactively contribute to negotiations for rapid donor agreements and liaise with the Regional Office to secure the required clearance, including legal and financial clearances for proposals and donor agreements before signature; • Manage multiple projects throughout the project life cycle; monitor implementation rates and reporting deadlines and ensure activities and expenditures are aligned with the terms and conditions set out in individual donor agreements; • Work closely with procurement, logistics, HR and technical staff to monitor the overall implementation of projects in the country office; • Liaise with other UN agencies in the country through established UN coordination mechanisms to ensure that the Country Office participates in system-wide resource mobilization activities; • In coordination with the Communication Officer, effectively utilizes the communication products to inform donors about both Health Sector and WHO's strategies and work to encourage them to fund the overall health sector response to affected populations and to WHO's strategic plans and proposals; • Performs any other relevant duties, as required by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams

Resource mobilization and external relations: • Specific studies in resource mobilization, partnership building, studies on development and or humanitarian work. Training in donor intelligence, proposal writing and general project management; • Documented achievements in resource mobilization; • Experience in WHO or other UN agencies in similar work; Internal Experience is an asset; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in WHO and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Zambia is a landlocked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (2.5M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic and cultural significance has also increased through the years. Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped, and roads are often congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in.