Director ORD (Office of Regional Director)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

1. Background and Justification

* Purpose of the Position

Within the context of the ORD Cluster, the purpose of the position is to technically and operationally advise the Regional Director and ensure the smooth and efficient coordination of the work of the Office of the Regional Director to enable the Regional Director (RD) to smoothly and effectively fulfill his/her functions. The incumbent will also be responsible for supervision of the corporate services of Country focus and coordination (CFC); PRSEAH and Gender, Equity and Rights (GER); Communications (COM); and External Relations, Partnerships, and Governing Bodies (EPG).

* Objectives of the Programme and the immediate Strategic Objective

The Office of the Regional Director (ORD) provides technical advice, analyses and monitors the progress of organizational initiatives to support the Regional Director in the efficient delivery of his/her mandate and in the provision of effective leadership and coordination of the work of WHO in the African Region. This includes partnerships and collaboration with member states, the UN system, the African Union, international organizations, Regional Economic Committees, development partners, bilateral and multilateral agencies, Civil Society, and other stakeholders. It is also responsible for coordinating the preparation of policy, technical and managerial briefs on relevant health matters to facilitate the decisions of the Regional Director and monitors compliance in the implementation of specific executive decisions and recommendations. The Office oversees the work of the Regional Office, WHO Country Offices in the AFRO region, and the work of the WHO Secretariat with the Member States, ensuring the coherence and synergies in actions of corporate services of Communications (COM), PRSEAH/GER and the External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies (EPG).

2. Job Description

* Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization)

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director, the Director, Regional Director's Office will be expected to provide policy, managerial and diplomatic advice to the RD through analyzing and monitoring the implementation of the work of the Global Policy Group of WHO (GPG) and WHO's strategic directions in the Region as well as following -up on the implementation of policy decisions of WHO Governing Bodies. These are consistent with the resolutions of the Regional Committee, the World Health Assembly, and the Political Declaration of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as national priorities and needs of the Member States of the Region. The incumbent will facilitate and work in close collaboration with all staff in the RD's office to ensure the smooth and efficient coordination of the work of the Office of the Regional Director. Contacts Under the supervision of the Regional Director, and in collaboration with Programme and Operational Clusters of WHO AFRO, and strategic partners, the incumbent will facilitate, formulate, review and implement programmes, exchange information, technically advise and guide the team supervised at WHO/AFRO Regional Office, Country offices, and Collaborating Centers, to execute the programme of work in the context of the WHO/AFRO agenda and global mandates. S/he will collaborate, in particular, with DPM and GMC to inform the RD's oversight of programmes and policy decisions; with EPG on strengthening AFRO's regional positioning as a health leader through effective advocacy and partnerships strategies; and with principal counterparts across other WHO Regional offices, statutory bodies and advisory groups. The incumbent facilitates cross-cluster collaboration of team members across the RO for delivering organizational results. Successful formulation and attainment of the objectives and expected results involve collaboration with a broad range of experts, policy makers and representatives of United Nations, other multilateral- and bilateral agencies, academia, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions.

* Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent must do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Lead and facilitate the development and implementation of the plan of work for the programmes/units under the Office of the Regional Director (ORD), promoting synergies, and coordinating and monitoring the achievement of resulting action points;
• Provide analytical, policy, managerial and strategic advice to the RD including through: Monitoring and follow-up of the implementation of policy decisions of WHO Governing Bodies in collaboration with EPG;
• Review of monitoring results on the work of the Global Policy Group of WHO (GPG) impacting the strategic directions of WHO's work in the Region;
• Collaboration mechanisms with DPM and GMC to inform the RD's oversight of programmes and policy decisions;
• Developing proposals and actions responding to corporate management and operational issues of importance to the RD;
• Provide guidance to the RD on strengthening AFRO's regional positioning as a health leader through effective advocacy, communications, and partnerships strategies, in close coordination with EPG;
• Oversee the implementation of management mechanisms, including coordination and implementation of resulting decisions, processes and initiatives relevant to the Regional Director's work programme;
• Ensure the smooth and efficient coordination of the work of the Office of the Regional Director, including the RD's schedule of activities and the monitoring of the implementation of commitments and recommendations, including through the following:
• Coordinating and providing quality assurance of the content of briefs, speeches, reports, in and their timely submission for the RD's decision;
• Ensuring effective communication flow within the ORD, prioritizing, coordinating and optimizing the time of the RD;
• Ensuring that key decision-making activities, representational functions and major deliverables are planned and coordinated in a strategic manner;
• Coordinate with principal counterparts across other WHO Regional offices, statutory bodies and advisory groups for updated information;
• Mobilize organizational resources to ensure the efficient functioning of the Independent Advisory Group to the RD; In coordination with HRT, lead the recruitment & staffing of positions in the ORD.
• Provide leadership to and manage the staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their performance, continuous development and engagement, promoting a culture of working across clusters, and integrity in accordance with the Organization's policies, rules, procedures and values;
• Establish work objectives for all personnel in ORD and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines;
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

3. Recruitment Profile

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
6. Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the UN system at the country level, managing office performance, with demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluation and knowledge management systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships at local and international levels.
• In-depth knowledge of public and global health and international development issues, with the ability to quickly process and communicate about new public health information. Diplomatic skills with the ability to negotiate and engage new partnerships;
• Significant experience in political communication and protocol.
• Proven managerial and leadership skills; Excellent analytical, organizational and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships at local and international levels.
• Excellent writing skills in English in a variety of styles and under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Demonstrated networking skills, excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing priorities.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, collaborate and work independently.
Education:

Essential: Advanced degree in Public Health or International Relations.

Experience:

Essential: A minimum of fifteen years' national and international experience, with at least 3 years inclusive in a senior management position at the international level, providing policy and political advice to senior managers and demonstrating engagement of strategic, international partnerships and alliances. Understanding of operational work of the broader UN System.

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English or French with a good working knowledge of the other.

Desirable: The above language requirements are interchangeable.

Other Skills

Working level of computer literacy with proven ability to use standard office software packages, including eHealth tools.

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 117,953 (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 4,413 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

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
• 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 eManual.
• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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.
• 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 may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
• 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 a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical 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 shws@who.int.
• 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. .
• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates.