Head of WHO Country Office, Bulgaria (*re-advertised)

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: EURO/14/FT209 Title: Head of WHO Country Office, Bulgaria (*re-advertised) Grade: NO-C Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  Two years duration (1) please see below under Additional Information)	Date: 25 April 2014 Application Deadline: 18 May 2014 (17 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Sofia, Bulgaria   Organization unit: EU/RDC Regional Director Corporate Functions (EU/RDC) / EU/CCC Country Relations and Corporate Communications (EU/CCC)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO: All the Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. The seven point global health agenda contained in WHO's Eleventh General Programme of Work (2006-2015) includes: (i) investing in health to reduce poverty; (ii) building individual and global health security; (iii) promoting universal coverage, gender equality and health related human rights; (iv) tackling determinants of health; (v) strengthening health systems and equitable access; (vi) harnessing knowledge, science and technology; and (vii) strengthening governance, leadership and accountability. WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends. The European Region of WHO (WHO Europe) is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. The diversity of people and health situations requiresa solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. It is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate. Mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Objective of the Country Relations and Communication Team in RD's Cabinet (CCC): The mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is to support Member States in: (i) developing and sustaining their own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health. The Country Relations and Communication Team (CCC) in RD's Office provides strategic guidance to the Regional Office, under the policy direction of the Regional Director and in line with the Organization's corporate priorities, to ensure in-house coordination of country work. CCC facilitates, supports, and contributes to the coordination of all activities undertaken by the technical units in countries and works closely with the PAR team to ensure development of strategic partnerships at country level to the benefit of the WHO and the Member States. The CCC helps to coordinate and manage effective collaboration with Member States, with and without WHO country representation. The CCC is responsible for development, implementation and monitoring of the new WHO Regional Office for Europe's Country Strategy. The CCS coordinates the process of identification of strategic priorities for collaboration with Member States and is responsible for the preparation, and administration of the Biennial Collaborative Agreements. CCC also ensures the implementation of the communication strategy and facilitates supports and contributes to the coordination of communication activities around the Regional Director and her Office as well as activities undertaken by the WHO country offices and assists the various technical units in delivering appropriate communication as expected from the communication strategy. It is also responsible for the development, smooth functioning and continuity of the EURO internal and external web sites.
Description of duties: Under the guidance of the Regional Director (RD) and Executive Manager CCC, the Head of WHO Country Office will have the following responsibilities: 1. To facilitate, support and coordinate all WHO country activities undertaken by the technical units. 2. To support the WHO Regional Office for Europe in strengthening WHO EURO's existing relations with Member State by liaising regularly with the Ministry of Health and other relevant national stakeholders. 3. To ensure WHO visibility and coordination of activities with relevant national and international stakeholders. 4. To ensure the quality and impact of the work of the WHO Europe in the country by being responsible for the development of respective country work plan and contributing information that will help to monitor, evaluate and adjust WHO's technical work in the country. 5. To ensure the development and support the implementation of the country cooperation strategy and Biennial Collaborative Agreement. 6. To be responsible for the operational direction and the effective co-ordination of all WHO activities at country level. 7. To assist WHO Regional Office with the preparation and management of policy and technical events in the countries as required. 8. Within the delegated authority given to the country office to ensure a smooth, reliable and efficient running of the day-to-day operations of the Office, including managerial, financial, administrative and security issues. 9. To maintain contacts with local public institutions, information media, and other relevant stakeholders in the country in order to keep the Organization and its work in the public eye. 10. To link with institutions and associations concerned with health, including non-governmental activities agencies and scientific bodies for exchange of information and coordination of activities. 11. To facilitate provision of a technical assistance for the health sector development and promote an intersectoral approach to health issues. 12. To liaise regularly with the relevant national health authorities providing them with information concerning the resolutions of the WHO governing bodies, and initiatives that affect WHO activities in the country. 13. To contribute to continuous updating of situational analysis and related health needs in the country. 14. To assist in certifying the correct implementation of all tasks and activities carried out under WHO financing. 15. To develop and maintain constructive partnerships relations with external partners active at country level, particularly with other UN Agencies. 16. To help the Government to identify and coordinate available or potentially available external resources.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: University degree in medicine, health related areas or social science. Desirable: Master Degree in public health and/or health management.
Skills:  Sound knowledge of the socio-political, economic and health situation in the country. Other skills: Microsoft Office package. Excellent command of internet and ability to find information on the web. Excellent command of word-processor and spreadsheet applications. Competencies required: 1) Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond - Identifies strategic partners within and outside the organization and maintains regular contacts with them. Monitors the situation and identifies windows of opportunities for developing new or strengthening existing relations. Respects others, behaves with tact and discretion with external partners. Works well in teams, exchanging views and opinions, sharing information. 2) Producing results - Effectively plans for oneself and delivers on time. Shares relevant information so others can effectively plan, produce quality work and deliver on time. While seeking guidance from and working under the supervision of the head of unit, works proactively and is driven by results. 3) Moving forward in a changing environment - Open to new ideas and new working methods, adapts positively to change, exchange views and opinions with colleagues. Able to work independently while understanding his/her limits. 4) Communicating in a credible and effective way - Listens to others, expresses oneself clearly, produces clear and short written documents, shares information. 5) Fostering integration and teamwork - Able to work in a team, exchange views and ideas and share information with colleagues.
Experience: Essential: At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programmes. Desirable: Experience within a UN organization. Experience with the management of projects.
Languages: Essential: A very good command of the English language and the local national language. Desirable: Knowledge of other WHO Official languages
Additional Information: * Please note: Candidates who have previously applied to this position WILL NEED TO RE-APPLY TO THIS VACANCY NOTICE FOR THE APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FURTHER. This a National Professional Officer position. Only applications from nationals of Bulgaria will be accepted. Please REFRAIN from applying if you are not a national of Bulgaria. Long-listed candidates may be contacted to sit a written test or presentation prior to final short-listing. This does not preclude a written test or presentation prior to final interview. Interviews will take place using a competency-based approach. Similar posts could be filled using this vacancy notice. (1) Extension of appointments are subject to a) satisfactory performance, b) continued need for the function and c) availability of funds.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) Lev 70436 at single rate N/A with primary dependants
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
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Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.