Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. WHO connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, ensure global safety, and support vulnerable populations. Its goal is to enable everyone, everywhere, to attain the highest possible level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinates responses to health emergencies, and promotes healthier lives from pregnancy through old age. The Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for achieving good health for all through science-based policies and programs. WHO has its headquarters in Geneva, along with six regional offices, 150 country offices, and various other offices worldwide. This assignment will be under the WHO regional office for the Western and Pacific region.

Context

The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is dedicated to improving health and well-being across its member states. Its mandate includes providing technical support, facilitating health policy development, and promoting evidence-based health practices. WPRO focuses on addressing key health issues such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening. WPRO operates through three main technical clusters: Universal Health Coverage, Communicable Diseases, and Non-Communicable Diseases. The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Management Programme contributes to the Universal Health Coverage and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases cluster in the Regional Office. The strategic agenda aims to reduce the disease burden in the Western Pacific Region by guiding the disease control agenda and utilizing analytics to inform strategic investments and tailored interventions.

Task Description

In constant collaboration with management office of the assigned office, the HR Officer is responsible for the following areas: Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition: 1. Advocate for best HR practices in organizational planning and design aligned with WHO’s Global Programme of Work. 2. Provide advice and support to managers in developing workforce plans, including succession planning, function design, and candidate profiles. 3. Partner with managers to ensure effective implementation of workforce plans and oversee associated HR actions. 4. Manage and coordinate recruitment plans for the client group in consultation with the Regional and HQ Sourcing and Recruitment teams, ensuring timely organization of competitions and participating as an HR Representative on selection panels as needed. 5. Assist the client group in interpreting workforce data and statistics against HR strategies to meet WHO’s diversity targets. HR Partner and Career Management: 1. Support and monitor all HR actions related to positions and staff within the client group in the Regional Office/Country Office, including onboarding, briefing newcomers, reassignment, acting arrangements, temporary assignments, and separations. 2. Monitor the hiring of consultants and interns, ensuring compliance with requests and onboarding processes. 3. Provide guidance to managers on HR policies, recruitment and selection, contractual modalities, benefits, entitlements, and performance management. 4. Serve as the focal point of contact for the workforce on HR-related matters, offering, briefings, and advice on performance management. Performance and Change Management: 1. Support managers in implementing organizational changes through effective change management practices, information sharing, and problem-solving initiatives. 2. Partner with managers and staff during conflict situations to foster mutual understanding and resolution. 3. Advocate for HR policies that support work-life balance and well-being initiatives. 4. Ensure compliance with performance management cycles within client groups and promote a culture of continuous performance improvement. 5. Provide expertise and coaching to managers and staff in performance management, including the development of performance improvement plans. Strategic HR Central Function: 1. Contribute to a strong team of HR professionals to exchange information and work collaboratively to ensure consistent application of HR policies. 2. Provide feedback on the effectiveness and impact of HR policies to inform improvements and developments. 3. Propose enhancements to existing policies, processes, tools, and reports, and take the lead in shaping and developing these initiatives. 4. Perform all other related duties as assigned and backstop other team members when absent to maintain workflow efficiency. Communications and Training: 1. Develop and implement effective HR communication strategies to enhance understanding of HR policies and practices among staff. 2. Organize and facilitate training sessions for staff on HR processes, performance management and other areas. 3. Create informative HR publications to support outreach efforts and engage staff in HR initiatives. 4. Collaborate with management to identify training needs and develop tailored programs to address skill gaps and enhance workforce capabilities. Results/expected outputs: As an active member of the WHO WPRO HR team, the HR Officer will provide efficient, timely, responsive, client-oriented, and high-quality support to WHO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of their functions, including Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition, Strategic HR Partnership, Performance and Change Management, Collaboration and Policy Development and Leadership and Transactional Management.

Competencies and values

1.Promoting the Organization’s position in Health Leadership. 2. Producing Results 3. Moving Forward in a Changing Environment. 4. Communication. 5. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences. 6. Professionalism. 7. Integrity. 8. Teamwork and respect for diversity. 9. Commitment to continuous learning. 10. Planning and organizing.

Living conditions and remarks

Manila, as the capital city of the Philippines generally offers a safe environment for residents and visitors. While the city itself is typically secure, it’s important to remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions, particularly in neighborhoods known for higher crime rates. Volunteers should follow UN security protocols and travel advisories. 2. Access and Air Travel Manila is home to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), the main gateway to the Philippines. The airport provides numerous international and domestic flight options. Within the city, public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services facilitate easy access to various destinations. 3. Climate Manila has a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). It experiences three main seasons: Tag-init (dry season, December to May), Tag-ulan (rainy season, June to November), and cooler months in December and February. Typhoons can occur, particularly during the rainy season. 4. Cultural Awareness Manila is a melting pot of cultures. While dress is generally casual, modest clothing is recommended, especially in religious sites. Alcohol consumption is common in social settings; moderation is encouraged, as excessive drinking can be viewed negatively. 5. Cost of Living The cost of living in Manila is higher than in many other regions of the Philippines. A modest lifestyle typically ranges depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. Please check the following link for more information https://wise.com/us/blog/cost-of-living-in-the-philippines 5. Availability of Food/Water/Electricity Manila boasts a vibrant food scene, offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Fresh produce and seafood are readily available. However, tap water is generally not safe to drink, so bottled water is recommended. Electricity is widely available, although power outages can occur, particularly during severe weather. 6. Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Manila are of good quality, with numerous hospitals providing both public and private services. It is advisable for volunteers to have health insurance, as emergency care can be expensive. 7. Banking Facilities Banks are easily accessible throughout Manila, offering ATMs, currency exchange, and online banking services. While credit cards are accepted in many establishments, cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller shops and markets. 8. Communication Infrastructure Manila has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with reliable mobile networks and internet access. Major areas offer high-speed internet, while mobile plans are affordable, facilitating easy communication with family and friends. Education facilities Manila offers a variety of educational facilities for international UN volunteers with children, including international schools that follow different curricula, such as American, British, and IB programs. These schools provide quality education and a supportive environment for expatriate families. Many institutions also offer extracurricular activities and language support. It’s advisable to research and apply early, as spots can be competitive.