Program and Administrative Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and promote healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The Program and Administrative Support Officer plays a crucial role within the Field Presence cluster, providing essential support in daily program and financial operations. This position involves updating the operational planning budget, managing finance matters in the Global Management System (GSM), and handling administrative actions related to budgets and human resources. The incumbent will work closely with the Technical Team Lead and the Operations officer to ensure the smooth functioning of the country team's objectives, which include promoting technical cooperation and coordinating health development assistance based on WHO guidelines. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication skills to manage various tasks efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for checking all obligating documents and entering relevant information from GSM or other online systems to ensure fund availability. They will review obligating documents for completeness, follow up on missing information, liquidate obligations, and prepare periodic reports as required. The officer will also review various contractual documents, issue PTAEO numbers, earmark funds, and verify payment requests. Additionally, they will prepare purchase requisitions for IT equipment and other assets, track contract extensions and renewals, and ensure funds are available for proposed contracts. The officer will follow up on program implementation, alerting supervisors to any issues, and draft correspondence based on instructions or initiative. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of administrative and human resources policies and procedures. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in program and administrative support roles. Desirable qualifications include training in UN/HR systems and proven drafting skills. The ability to maintain proficiency in modern office technology and keep abreast of changes in procedures and practices is essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires at least a secondary school education. Candidates with additional training in UN/HR systems or relevant certifications will have an advantage. Educational qualifications must be obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in program and administrative support positions. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies is desirable, as is familiarity with Oracle-based or other ERP systems. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage administrative tasks effectively and support program implementation.

Languages:
Expert-level knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse environment of WHO.

Additional Notes:
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or asynchronous video assessment may be part of the screening process. Candidates selected for an interview must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all staff members are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards. The position is subject to local recruitment, and candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.