Director

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Promote national response and build national and regional capacity to manage NCDs, nutrition and environmental health, injuries, disabilities, rehabilitation, food safety, healthy ageing, including through multi-sectoral and health in all policies approach. Protect, prevent and reduce exposure to major NCD risk factors, nutrition and environmental health risks, while promoting e-health, and well-being of the population and addressing social determinants of health. Intensify evidence-based policy development and programmatic design and practice using strategic information systems and research to address NCDs, nutrition, disabilities, injuries, rehabilitation and environmental health, healthy ageing.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall supervision and policy guidance of the Regional Director (RD) and under the direct supervision of the Director, Programme Management (DPM), the incumbent is responsible for:

1. Directing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating collaborative programmes with Member States in the Region under the domain of Non-communicable Diseases, nutrition, food safety, injury prevention, disabilities and rehabilitation, health promotion and social and environmental determinants of health including health ageing, considering the WHO core functions, priorities, and country health needs.

2. Promoting collaboration for the work of WHO technical units in SEARO, WHO Country Offices (WCOs), HQ, national authorities and other UN agencies, various donors, private sector and civil societies, in the core areas of prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

3. Promoting and assuring intra-and inter-departmental teamwork including the WHO Collaborating Centres and National Centres of Excellence.

4. Mobilizing financial, technical and human resources and ensuring effective management of human and financial resources for programmes under his/her direct supervision.

5. Supporting the RD as part of technical secretariat for the WHO Governing Bodies, World Health Assembly (WHA) / Executive Board (EB) and the Regional Committee (RC).

6. Perform any other duties as deemed necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Degree in medicine or any other health related disciplines with post graduate degree in public health.
Desirable: A PhD in social sciences or related disciplines.

Experience

Essential: At least 15 years of experience at progressively responsible levels, including at least 5 years of experience in international setting, in planning and management of public health programmes and/or public health cooperation activities.
Desirable: Previous work experience in a multicultural environment or a UN/multilateral organization will be an advantage.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of WHO values, policies, mission, goals and regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of international public health issues and health systems management. High level of technical and managerial competence for planning, direction and evaluation of health development programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of programme analysis. Ability to establish and maintain excellent relations with officials at all levels. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment. Ability to coordinate and motivate staff of various backgrounds. Good interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing in the form of publications and papers in national and international journals.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Promoting innovation and organizational learning
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

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 106,023 (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 4126 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 [email protected]

• 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.

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