The Governing Bodies Unit (GBS) in WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean is charged with strategic engagement with Member States to ensure Member States highest engagement to improve health in the context of the WHO Governing Bodies. GBS provides strategic advice and support to Member States and ensures that the governance of the Organization is carried out effectively and according to the constitutional and business rules and regulations. In addition to daily matters of health diplomacy, GBS is responsible for executing the Regional Committee Meeting and supporting the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s participation in other WHO Governing Bodies, including the World Health Assembly, the Executive Board, the Programme, Budget, and Administration Committee, as well as other intergovernmental processes mandated by the Governing Bodies.
The incumbent has the following responsibilities: Coordinate the preparation of the Regional Committee meeting including the preparation of its agenda, governance events, and documentation in close collaboration with other departments. Coordinate the preparations for the meetings of the WHO’s global governing bodies and ensure that decisions are well-aligned with the work of the Regional Committee and properly monitored and reported Work on the development of enhanced coordination mechanisms with relevant departments and Country Offices of WHO involved in supporting the work of governing bodies In collaboration with the Country Offices, establish and implement innovative approaches for engagement with Member States to prepare for and follow up on governing bodies’ decisions Provide relevant expert input to discussions regarding the specific needs of governing bodies and high-level meetings as appropriate maintaining records of all relevant decisions and supporting all actions for relevant follow-up; Support the RD, and CdC in Regional Committee and governing-bodies-related briefings by providing the necessary background documentation, preparing drafts, etc; Prepare notes for the Chair of the regional committee and subcommittee providing relevant support during such constitutional meetings Participate in discussions regarding the specific needs of governing bodies and high-level meetings with the RD, CdC, and other organizational entities, as appropriate Coordinate and conduct regular capacity and leadership-building activities (internal and external; to governing bodies and Permanent Missions focal points of Member States) on governance aspects, health policy, and health diplomacy. Oversee the budget and financial processes related to the governing bodies unit, and its submissions for planning, mid and end-term reporting, and other ad-hoc office-wide exercises Represent governing bodies at various meetings to advocate for strengthened governance and member-state relationships. Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.
Essential: First University degree in public health, socialsciences, international relations, public administration, communications, or related fields.
Desirable: Master’s in international relations is an asset.
Essential: A minimum of five (5) years’ experience with international exposure in coordinating and managing high-level meetings. Experience in working in governance. Experience in working in UN organizations.
Desirable: Previous experience with WHO Governing Bodies, international boards, or intergovernmental committees
Diplomacy, tact, and ability to effectively communicate with senior-level officials, multiple stakeholders, and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Ability to develop and coordinate networks with relevant players in the field of international health and communication Courtesy and sensitivity to manage confidential information and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different professional levels, discipline, nationalities and cultural background – Excellent organizational, project management and negotiation skills Strong analytical and conceptual skills Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyse, synthesize, and provide recommendations on key technical and administrative issues Strong writing skills to prepare a variety of documents and briefing materials Knowledge of the WHO and UN systems at all levels Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Ability to work under pressure and deal with multiple projects simultaneously A good understanding of policies and programs of organizations involved in international cooperation in health, and the roles and policies of key governmental and non-governmental institutions.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Arabic.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
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 64,121 (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 1608 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.