OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The WHO Country Office in Kiribati is part of the Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), a decentralized division of the Western Pacific Region established to coordinate the provision of technical support for the countries and areas of the Pacific islands. The WHO Country Liaison Office for Kiribati is the centre of the Secretariat’s mechanism for delivering its technical cooperation. The goal of WHO’s country presence is to enable the entire organization to sport Kiribati in reaching its health goals and contributing to global and regional public health action. Kiribati is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the health impacts of climate variability and change. Climate change threatens not only the health and well-being of the nation but its very existence. The combination of exposure to climatic hazards, limited capacity of the health system, including inadequate basic infrastructure such as communication, water and sanitation and electricity, human resources, and supplies, as well as communities that are remote and hard to reach provide significant challenges in reducing climate change-related morbidity and mortality. Without substantial and proactive investment in adaptation in the health sector and community-levels, the current and projected climatic changes will result in increased health risks through direct and indirect pathways.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the Country Liaison Officer (CLO) of the WHO Office in Kiribati, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
1) Provide technical and scientific input to the work program of Climate Change, the Environment, and Health (CCE) and support the technical and scientific implementation of the CCE thematic priority in For the Future;
2) Coordinate implementation of a GEF supported climate change and environmental health initiative and projects in Kiribati to ensure its compliance with the defined project scope, management methodology, standards, budget and timelines;
3) Ensure effective management of available resources, quality delivery of expected outcomes and outputs, and active engagement with the team and relevant stakeholders;
4) Coordinate WHO’s technical assistance by developing comprehensive project plans in collaboration with national counterparts and technical staff during all project phases from initial development through implementation;
5) Communicate proactively with national counterparts, WHO staff and development partners to provide encouragement, identify problems, identify solutions, and implement efficiency improvements, as needed and ensure an active project management committee is in place;
6) Identify project risks and implementation challenges and work closely with responsible team leads to mitigate these risks and to identify solutions to address business needs;
7) Prepare quarterly and annual reports to be cleared by the WHO Representative to the South Pacific;
8) Ensure visibility of project plans including communication plans, status, dependencies, risks and issues. Monitor project progress continuously and deliver scheduled reports to supervisors and donors on measurable items, milestones and deliverables and risks; and
9) Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree in public health, geography, environmental sciences/ management, environmental engineering, development studies, environmental economics, or another field relevant to the project from a university or institute.
Desirable: Qualification in environmental health, environmental sciences, and/or climate change.
Experience
Essential: At least 2 years of experience in a similar or related position in programme or project planning /management role, or public / environmental health.
Desirable: Experience working in climate change and health field, knowledge of national policy environments, project / programme management working closely with governmental and partner organizations, and report writing. Knowledge of the project reporting and technical and operational requirements is an advantage.
Skills
Proven skills in the areas of project management; Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of health implications of climate change and the environment; Ability to adapt and manage deliverables and resources and to think and act quickly, sometimes under pressure, yet remain effective; Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners; Ability to promote best practices, advise on improvements, independently perform research, and apply information from a broad range of sources; Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, advocate, motivate, resolve conflict, and adapt to a variety of situations; and ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at AUD (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION