OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The Observatory's aim is to generate evidence and broker knowledge so that policy makers can take better health systems decisions and improve population health. It supports and promotes evidence-based health policymaking through comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the dynamics of health care systems in Europe. The Observatory is at the forefront of international health policy and systems research. The Observatory is committed to: Working in partnership with researchers, research centres, governments and their public health institutes and international organizations to comprehensively describe and analyze health systems and the changes they undergo: Utilizing experience from across Europe to illuminate policy issues; Looking at selected developed countries outside Europe when the comparisons to be made or the expertise to be garnered support the countries of Europe in taking evidence based decisions; Bringing together a wide range of academics, policymakers and practitioners to analyze trends in health policies and reforms; Communicating effectively with policymakers through a range of dissemination strategies; Encouraging debate about issues raised by research developments; Drawing on the strengths of our partner organizations and networks to provide evidence-based advice to national policy makers. The Observatory is a partnership that includes the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ire1and, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom; the Veneto Region of Italy and Agenas (Italian National Agency for Regional Health Services); the French National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM); the World Health Organization; the European Commission;; the Health Foundation, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE; and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).The partnership is hosted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/EURO). The Observatory is composed of a Steering Committee, a senior management team and staff. Its core Secretariat is based in Brussels and has offices in London at LSE, LSHTM and the Technical University of Berlin.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The purpose of this position is to lead, manage and coordinate the project and business operations management related interventions and practices of the Observatory (OBS) in the delivery of its mission. It provides strategic advice and guidance to the Director, Deputy Director and other components of the Observatory and external stake holders, on a broad range of operational issues. Key achievements will be: the development and implementation of work plans, the monitoring of technical progress through predefined targets, the evaluation of Observatory's financial viability and technical performance and of appropriate KPIs for its Administrative services. Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Observatory, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
- Provide leadership and guidance on project management and business operations practices to immediate supervisees and individuals employed by, or dealing directly or indirectly with the Observatory, to enable an effective and efficient delivery of the Observatory's mission;
- Coordinate strategic and operational planning and activities related to budgeting, resource distribution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, in strict adherence with organizational guidelines, norms and standards;
- Monitor the implementation of workplans and provide strategic recommendations on financial, administrative and human resource allocation as well as related project management decision-making on resource utilization for optimal impact and to measure progress towards defined priorities and results;
- Support the partnership and engagement with Partners ensuring workplans reflect agreed strategic directions and sustaining governance and partnership dimensions;
- Lead the support to resource mobilization activities of the Observatory, in particular in the preparation of funding applications or contributions proposals, the identification of new funding sources, the supervision of grants and donor agreement management by assisting technical teams in contract negotiations with potential donors, in finalization of grant agreements and ensuring that donor specifications are respected and technical and financial reports to donors are submitted on time;
- Provide leadership in internal operational and administrative risks for the Observatory and propose risk mitigation measures
- Report on identified project management issues and risks if any and liaise with the Director and/or relevant Observatory components to ensure timely mitigation and resolution;
- Manage Observatory staff in delivering the full range of services in budget and finance, human resources, procurement, information and communication technology, security and staff safety, and general administration, in compliance with organizational policies, regulations, and procedures.
- Supervise Information Technology support services Provide a range of human resources services, including forecasting future needs, coordinating/ facilitating the sourcing of additional capabilities (including the hiring of Consultants), recruitment, onboarding and training, performance management,
- Reporting on HR requirements against plans, status of filled positions/vacancies, in collaboration with the EURO Regional Office and HQ;
- Manage the procurement of goods and services required for the Observatory and technical programs, ensuring best value for money in procurement practices as per the delegated authority Oversee the activities related to logistics, office space and assets management;
- Coordinate with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)and the Regional Field Security Officer to ensure the security and safety of the Observatory members, the Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS)compliance, and to ensure timely reports on security related incidents, disseminate security and travel advisory information and arrange security briefings and training of staff, as and when needed;
- Oversee and consolidate the replies to audit and evaluations reports and comments, review and follow- up on any outstanding audit recommendations related to the different areas of project management and business operations;
- Perform any other related duties, as required by the Observatory Director.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Advanced university degree (Master's level or above) or similar professional qualifications in Management, Financial Management, Business or Public administration, project or human resources management from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Training in programme planning, project development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, HR Business Partnership.
Experience
Essential: A minimum of seven years' work experience in project management and resource mobilization, with proven relevant international exposure, in managing operations/administration, implementing budget and finance, human resources and logistics services. Experience in managing teams.
Desirable: Relevant experience in the supporting applications to the EU and in applying for research funding. Experience in working in partnership and with Member States. Some experience in Communication especially in the context of the UN.
Skills
Strong interpersonal, representational and organizational skills, with proven ability to facilitate and strengthen the involvement and collaboration of administrative and technical staff and in engaging a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Skillful in building and leading administrative and enabling teams and in managing support services. Solid knowledge and expertise in raising funds, knowledge of the donor landscape and the European context. Integrity, tact and discretion. Ability to \"think out of the box\" and to make innovative proposals. Proven negotiation expertise in complex global organizations at regional/global levels. Experience undertaking strategic planning and leading support staff teams through change.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
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 77,326 (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 3177 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.
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- 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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int
- 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.
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