External Relations Officer

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 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 and, together with BOS, supports the Country Offices and all the other Divisions in the efficient delivery of the EPW 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 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 well being. The goal of the WHO Representation at the EU (WEU Office) is to promote GPW 13 and EPW priorities by the European Union, focusing on the needs of European Member States and impact of WHO work, and ensuring WHO's future financial sustainability.

The WHO Representation to the EU is led by WHO/Europe, yet its work mandate is global. The European Union is a key strategic partner of WHO, due to its importance: i) as an economic and political union of 27 European countries (500 million EU citizens, 20% of global trade), ii) for a broad group of WHO Member States in its immediate neighbourhood and beyond, iii) as a global actor, and iv) as a major donor. Due to this overwhelming range of stakeholders - EU and EU-related -Brussels is a central arena of debate, decision making, opinion shaping, influencing, power and funding distribution, visibility and corporate promotion. Brussels is also one of the key centers of global diplomacy, including health. The WEU Office is setting the scene for the establishment of Centre of Excellence for Health Diplomacy. These are activities in which the stakeholders listed above engage on a daily basis.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To contribute to the external relations efforts for strong WHO positioning versus the EU institutions and other strategic partners such as civil society organizations, the private sector and other interested parties based in Brussels, strengthening collaboration in the areas of global health, poverty reduction and development, humanitarian assistance and health policies. To support communication with the WHO Communication focal points in regional offices and HQ, when relevant to EU engagements and follow up on request for information and support in relation to the EU as needed.

Key duties:

External relations related duties (about 60%)In this capacity, the incumbent provides support to the WEU Office's representation and intelligence gathering functions, towards enhancing opportunities of collaboration with the EU and other important partners and donors based in Brussels.

Support the development of briefs, executive summaries, and background papers in the context of the WEU Office for WHO senior management, WHO Regional Offices technical units, WHO/HQ technical clusters and WHO Country Offices involvement in the EU Affairs and engagements with European institutions.

Provide support to the WHO Representative to the EU and senior management in ROs and HQ, regional office technical units and HQ technical clusters and country offices.

Assist the WHO Representative to the EU conducting research for evidence on the value of developing new strategic and innovative partnerships with other entities from the EU landscape.

Monitor, analyse and produce reports on dialogue and negotiation on EU global health and health-development related policies, legislation and programmes within the European Council and Parliament with a view to facilitate close cooperation and exchange on these topics between the EU/EC and WHO.

Contribute to preparations of high level and key WHO meetings in Brussels. Lead in the organization of meetings/events for EURO and other Regional Offices as relevant to promote WHO policies and support for WHO action, including meetings under the auspices of the European Parliament, e.g. Development, Environment and Health, and Foreign Affairs Committees.

Represent the WHO Representative under well-defined delegation of authority at meetings of partner institutions when required.

Communication related duties (about 40%)In this capacity, the incumbent provides specialized communication support to the activities of the WEU Office, ensuring its high visibility through appropriate communications with the WHO Communication team in Regional Offices, HQ and Country Offices when relevant.

Guide, advise and support the WEU office in the development of tailored communications and visibility plans in key partnership initiatives with EU and other key actors, contributing to maximize the impact of the EU-WHO cooperation.

Support the WHO Representative at the WEU for social media reporting and reach out to the Communication teams in Regional Offices and HQ for relevant press and media briefings when needed.

Ensure coherent and visible branding of WEU and WHO/EU collaborative work in line with EU and WHO requirements.

Conduct monitoring of key communication activities, channels, and platforms with a view to identify opportunities for further promotion and visibility.

Prepare and write social media releases and related communication/information products as may be required. Other Temporarily assume additional duties and functions within the scope and content of the job as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree (Bachelor's level) in international or public relations, political or social sciences, communications, or social sciences. Desirable: University degree(Master's level) in any of the above. Public Health background is an advantage.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of experience in the areas of both international public relations and communications, including at least two years of experience at international level. Demonstrated experience in working with or in WHO and or other UN Agencies, the European Commission, or relevant international organization. Desirable: Demonstrated experience of communication/public relations work in areas related to health with(in)WHO and/or other UN agencies, the European Commission, or relevant international organization.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge of global health and EU health policies. Demonstrated knowledge of core communication skills such as strategic communication, advocacy, consensus building and stakeholder communication. Demonstrated knowledge and/or understanding of the UN and particularly WHO mandate and work. Proven record of effectively building, handling, and managing relations with multiple stakeholders in a public relations context. Excellent writing and oral communication skills. Demonstrated diplomatic skills and ability to function effectively in an international and multi-cultural and multi professional environment. Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Emotional intelligence: ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Moving forward in a changing environment Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of either 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 64,121 (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 2533 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 (

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

) are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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