Mission and objectives

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Established in July 1946, WHO’s primary objective is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health. At the global level, the GPW13 aims at contributing to the triple billion targets as follows: 1) One billion more people are benefiting from universal health coverage, 2) One billion more people are better protected from health emergencies, 3) One billion more people are enjoying better health and well-being.

Context

The WHO country office in Guinea-Bissau is implementing the Programme Budget 2024-25 contributing to the vision that promotes “the universality of access to services at all levels of health, by promoting solidarity of all by guaranteeing the right to health and contributing to the financing of health care and ensure of equity in the distribution of resources and the utilization of services, the safeguarding of human dignity and the preservation of the physical and moral integrity of users and providers “. WHO is also supporting the implementation of the National Health Development Plan 2023-2028 which seeks to accelerate progress toward universal health care coverage, ensuring that no one is left behind in Guinea-Bissau. The Gender, Equity and Human Rights Officer will support efforts to mainstream gender in all project activities delivered by WHO and national counterparts. The incumbent will also monitor and capture gender-sensitive data and promote the integration of human rights-based approaches in WHO programming and across all projects. This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of WHO’s project Peace building in support of Health sector governance.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Health Planning Advisor/, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Life course Team lead, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the attainment of the SDGs 3 and 5 associated to Universal Health Coverage and Pilar 3: Healthier populations. The UN Volunteer will be responsible to: 1. Support generation of strategic information to address priorities under Healthier populations Pilar including fostering intersectoral collaboration addressing risk factors and behaviour change. 2. Support capacity building initiatives in collaboration with national institutions including research initiatives and support the implementation of WHO gender and youth activities in accordance with existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 3. Support WHO project teams to deliver activities – including planning, implementation, and reporting as well as documenting relevant case studies. 4. Monitor and capture gender-sensitive data and other relevant information for integration into project outcomes, and indicators and further support project teams in data analysis and annual work plan development. 5. Organise activities and provide support to strengthen capacity of project implementation partners—government counterparts and CSOs, target groups both at the national and regional levels and organize trainings, workshops to facilitate delivery of workplan activities. 6. Support the development of gender sensitive Information, Education and Communication (IEC materials to support project implementation efforts). 7. Ensure completion of technical reports, annual reports in line with Program Budget Workplan in a timely manner. He/she is also expected to contribute to delivery of UNDSCF 2022-26 Outcome on Human capital development through the Strategic objectives relevant to Health and its social determinants.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Commitment and Motivation • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Technological Awareness

Living conditions and remarks

The living conditions in Guinea-Bissau are generally low to moderate. Decent housing is hard-to-find and even if available, it is mostly unfurnished. Most houses that are available were constructed during the Portuguese colonial times and are either dilapidated or minimally refurbished. In terms of public transport, the use of shared taxis is the commonest means of transportation: taxis cost about 150 CFA (app USD 0.50 cents) for travel within the city center. However, the price varies depending on the distance travelled. Taxis are mostly shared with other passengers going in the same direction. Traveling from the airport to the city center and vice versa costs around 2000 CFA (app USD 4): the African Financial Community (CFA), popularly known as the West African CFA franc is the predominant currency in Guinea-Bissau. Another means of transport is “toca-toca” (a minibus): the latter is cheaper however it is not recommended for safety reasons. In terms of restaurants, there is only a handful of them within the city center, and for grocery shopping, there are a few decent supermarkets. During your assignment in Guinea-Bissau, expect some power cuts which do happen occasionally. Also, take note that there may be water shortages on certain occasions. The medical services on the other hand are poor and unreliable however you can expect to have access to the UN Health Clinic and Dispensary at the UN House as a UN staff. Guinea-Bissau is a unique country and provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. Full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. Complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements