Project Assistant

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.

For this UNV Assignment, only female candidates from the African continent are eligible to apply as the assignment is part of African Women Health Champions Initiative, Regional Director's flagship initiative to diversify WHO workforce in terms of gender, age, geographical representation and language.

• As an active WHO AFRO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to WHO AFRO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Production of high quality documents and reports for the UCN Directors office with the purpose of furthering effective cluster management. • Management of a filing system relevant to the UCN Cluster director’s office activities and priorities.
• Though output of high-quality reporting and documentation, contribute to UCN cluster access to strategic information. • Though strong communication and coordination skills facilitate improved cluster programme reporting and coordination for greater cluster cohesion. • Contribute to the building and management of close working relationships with UCN cluster stakeholders.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UCN Strategic Analysis and Reporting Technical Officer and direct guidance of the UCN Cluster Director, the UN Volunteer will:

1. Monitor and facilitate usage of UCN cluster ticketing system for reporting and evaluation of cluster activities, risks and issues.

2. Develop and provision biweekly reports to the UCN director on UCN cluster activity, finance, HR and other information as assigned to facilitate effective cluster management.

3. Aide with preparation of documents, reports, talking points and work plans as needed to support UCN Director’s office activities and strategic priorities.

4. Maintain UCN director’s office program filing system and corresponding records, and add new information as it becomes available.

5. Provide the UCN director’s office and administrative staff with support (e.g. filing, emailing, data entry, and reporting).

6. Support the development of UCN cluster SOPs for increased cluster effectiveness.

7. Support liaison with other WHO/AFRO clusters on cross-cluster initiatives.

8. Support cluster programmes in completing paperwork related to reporting, events & administration, relevant to the UCN director’s office.

9. Collaborate with all stakeholders relevant the UCN cluster and relay stakeholder concerns, if raised, to appropriate senior staff.

10. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO AFRO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO AFRO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the WHO AFRO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; • 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; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment WHO AFRO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

public or private organization in coordination and/or project management;

Desirable

• Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization. • Experience with health programs, advocacy or communications

Skills • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting and presentation 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. • 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 and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

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.