WHO Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ukraine was established in June 1994 with the mission to support the country's sustainable health development. The organization operates with a team of approximately 300 professionals who provide technical expertise on health-related matters. Their work includes building national capacity through policy dialogues, strategic support, technical assistance, and service delivery, especially during emergencies. The WHO aims to maintain the resilience of Ukraine's health system amid ongoing challenges, including the war, while continuing to push forward with health system reforms. The WHO Ukraine Country Cooperation Strategy for 2024-2030 outlines three key priorities: ensuring access to universal quality health services for all, preventing and reducing major health risks, and building robust institutions to support these goals.

Job Overview:
The WHO Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in providing secretarial, coordinating, monitoring, and administrative support to the WHO Country Office in Ukraine. This position involves drafting and revising administrative correspondence, reports, and documentation, as well as managing incoming correspondence and documents. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for informing and reminding staff of follow-up dates and deadlines, ensuring that all necessary supporting materials are provided. The role also includes making administrative arrangements for country and inter-country activities, preparing commitment documents related to the procurement of goods and services, and organizing duty travel. The Programme Assistant will maintain filing systems and update databases with relevant technical and administrative information, guiding office procedures and supporting team members as needed. This position is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of the office and supporting the overall mission of the WHO in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WHO Programme Assistant include:

• Drafting and revising administrative correspondence, reports, and documentation to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Scanning, recording, and processing incoming correspondence and documents to maintain organized records.
• Informing and reminding responsible staff of follow-up dates and deadlines for responses or specific actions, supplying supporting material as appropriate.
• Making administrative arrangements for country and inter-country activities, including the preparation of various commitment documents related to the procurement of goods and services.
• Organizing duty travel and preparing related documentation to facilitate travel logistics.
• Maintaining filing systems and updating databases with relevant technical and administrative information to ensure easy access to information.
• Guiding office procedures and supporting team members as needed to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the WHO Programme Assistant position include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be proficient in using office software and databases. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences, adaptability in a changing environment, and a commitment to producing results.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the WHO Programme Assistant position should have a minimum of a secondary education, with additional qualifications in administration, management, or a related field being highly desirable. A background in health-related fields or experience working in international organizations would be an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in administrative support, secretarial duties, or a similar role. Experience working in a multicultural environment or with international organizations is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing administrative tasks and supporting teams in achieving their objectives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the WHO. Knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the local context and with stakeholders in Ukraine.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer is responsible for organizing their own accommodation. The contract is full-time and lasts for the period indicated in the vacancy, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The compensation includes a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 1717 per month, which covers housing, utilities, and living expenses. Additional benefits include a one-time entry lump sum payment of USD 350, medical and life insurance coverage, and leave entitlements such as annual leave, learning leave, and sick leave.