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.

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.

-Accountability -Adaptability and Flexibility -Commitment to Continuous Learning -Communication -Integrity -Professionalism -Working in Teams

Resource mobilization, partnership and donor coordination Mandatory. - Professional experience in an international organization, 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.

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.