External Relations & Partnerships Officer (WHO Africa Health Champions)

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 WHO Country Office in Malawi has embarked on implementation of a very ambitious 2022-23 biennial workplan in the context of a continuing COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of the national COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Strategy and Socio-economic Recovery Plan. In addition, Malawi is responding to two graded emergencies, (moderate tropical Ana & Gombe with flooding, and wild poliovirus type 1 outbreak) and more recently a Cholera outbreak. At the same time Malawi is developing her third Health Sector Strategic Plan III, an essential Health Services Package, and a National Action Plan for Health Security.

These multiple emergencies and response, and the urgent longer-term policy and planning work which has been placed on hold pose a serious setback to the WCO’s aim to contribute to reaching the triple billion goal of 1 billion more people covered, 1 billion more protected and 1 billion more healthier populations. given the significant health system capacity constraints at baseline

The WCO has demonstrated ability to influence rapid action by the Govt of Malawi on IHR recommendations, and ability to convene and coordinate partners. With surge support from AFRO, WHO is providing high quality timely planning & coordination as well as technical advice. Yet the emergencies have also underscored critical gaps in skills and competencies in core cross-sectoral functions which must be rapidly addressed. This includes external relations and partnerships skills and competencies

Under the direct supervision of the PMO, the UNV External Relations & Partnerships Officer (ERO) will contribute to strengthening partnerships with governments, NSAs, international organizations and other grant-giving foundations in alignment with the programmatic priorities established by the WCO and RO. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with EPG and related technical cluster experts in the Regional Office

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of the WHO Country Office or the External Relations & Partnership lead or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV External Relations and Partnership Officer will:

Support the development and implementation of a partner engagement strategy and resource mobilization plan;

Work to secure sustainable funding for the effective implementation of country plans;

Research existing and potential donors and initiate and support the maintenance of partner relations through innovative approaches;

Draft proposals, donor briefings, reports and updates to ensure accurate and timely reporting in compliance with WHO and donor requirements;

Prepare tables, charts and other graphics required for senior management team meetings; donors’ reports, and other meetings or products as required;

Liaise with AFRO and Headquarters to secure the required clearance, including legal and financial clearances for proposals and donor agreements before signature;

Clearly and convincingly communicate WHO yearly/biennial strategic direction;

Collect articles, cases studies, and best practices across projects for evidence gathering and format so they are suitable for external audiences;

Support the production of outreach/publicity material to increase donor visibility and promote engagement;

In coordination with the Communication Officer, effectively utilize communication products to inform donors about both Health Sector and WHO's strategies;

Support the update of websites and resource mobilization platforms;

Influence funding for the overall health sector and WHO's strategic plans and proposals; and

Perform other duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

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 self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

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.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to World Health Organization; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to World Health Organization procedures and rules;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and World Health Organization in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

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;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports;

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 World Health Organization mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

grant management, donor funding, proposal development, and resource mobilization. Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; experience in WHO or other UN organizations would be an asset. It should be noted that only females of African nationality aged 22 to 35 will be considered for this assignment.

Located in Southern Africa, Malawi is landlocked, sharing its borders with Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. The country has an estimated population of 18.6 million (2019), with over eight native ethnic groups make up the population. The country’s official languages are Chichewa and English, which over half of the population is capable of speaking. Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite making significant economic and structural reforms to sustain economic growth. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly 80% of the population, and it is vulnerable to external shocks. The political climate is more stable than it has been in the past Volunteers moving to Malawi can expect warm temperatures between November and April, when it is also prone to equatorial rain and thunderstorms, with the heavy rains reaching their zenith around March. Malawi is generally a very peaceful country and volunteers should be fairly safe. Nevertheless, there is crime but it is most often opportunistic. For residential security, WHO will ensure compliance with Residential Security Measures as defined by UNDSS.