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.

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) which aims to bring all people to the highest possible level of health, health being defined as " state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not only consisting of an absence of illness or infirmity. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures, volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

The Assistant Regional Directors (ARD) Cluster at WHO in the African Region is designed to perform cross cutting technical functions by working closely with countries and programme areas across various clusters that include ULC, UCN, UHP and EPR. This cluster focuses on essential functions in key subject areas that prepare WHO and Member States to make evidence-informed decisions and harness the cutting-edge research and innovations for the acceleration of health improvements in the African Region. This cluster also coordinates work across the organization related to key strategic priorities: integrated service delivery, diagnostic, laboratory services, antimicrobial resistance, research and innovation and data analytics and knowledge management.

The cluster works to ensure that these priorities are integrated into programs at every level in a manner that improves efficiency and ensures progress towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and One Health approach goals. Though various units the cluster will serve distinct purposes with unique intervention areas, the cluster is designed to serve as technical support and an expert advisory service to strengthen coordination mechanisms, platforms, and partnerships across both WHO, Member States and global and regional partners in these key focus areas.

The ARD’s cluster develops the necessary frameworks to implement actions plans and activities at the country level. The scope of the clusters’ activities spans from the generation and use of related research and data to monitoring, reporting and evaluation of these activities. Therefore, the purpose of this position is to support the cluster in strengthening its overall executive management function through the efficient and effective managerial coordination of the Office and to provide monitoring and evaluation support.

Under the overall supervision of the Assistant Regional Director, the Reporting Assistant will: • Provide the Assistant Regional Director’s (ARD) office and administrative staff with support (e.g. filing, emailing and data entry) • Aide with preparation of technical documents, reports, talking points, work plans and other program supports related to cluster activities • Relay stakeholder concerns to the appropriate senior staff • Review and submit documents to procurement, travel, human resources and other administrative support departments as directed • Schedule and organize meetings for ARD and office team • Create and maintain program filing system and corresponding records, and add new information as it becomes available • Assist the ARD complete paperwork and attend to correspondence related to reporting, events, administration, etc. • Support coordination for workshop and other cluster events through coordination of logistics activities such as reserving work spaces, providing supplies, printing and distribution of materials, development of presentations, etc. • Coordinate travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, plan logistics, and submit expense reports • Update computer and hard copy file systems on a weekly basis • Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information • Undertake any other assignment as requested by the supervisor

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity; ability to apply good judgement; personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and WHO in daily activities and behaviours 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 behaviour; 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; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • 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; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WHO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

work at the national and/or international level in public or private organization; experience with health experience programs, advocacy or communications is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization • Essential: University degree in Public Health, Business Administration, Development Studies, Health Education or Communication for Development. • Desirable: Post-graduate training or specialization in Business Administration, Public Health, Development Studies, Health Education or Communication for Development. • 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.

This is a family-duty station for most UN staff despite the limited operationality of health facilities; there is an American International school, a French Lycee and several other private institutions of education. All major cards can be used through a network of automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the city. There is a wide range of housing options including what WHO offers in its multiple compounds (houses and apartments). An entry visa to the Republic of Congo is mandatory. Visas can be obtained at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Congo in your country of nationality or residence. If there is no diplomatic representation of the Republic of Congo in your country, it is mandatory to please bring the following: • The waiver provided by WHO, with the circular in French; • A copy of your travel authorization or official letter of invitation.

Congo 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 potentially difficult conditions, involving physical hardship and limited comfort, are essential.