Secretariat and Governance Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the World Health Organization (WHO), which 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 ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The Secretariat and Governance Support Officer will provide high-level secretariat and coordination support to the Health Services Commission technical working group and Taskforce. This role is crucial in ensuring effective planning, organization, and follow-up of all meetings, correspondence, consultations, and reports related to the establishment of the Health Services Commission (HSC) in Papua New Guinea. The HSC aims to address workforce management, governance, and performance challenges within the health sector, thereby strengthening accountability and creating a more efficient system for managing the national health workforce. The officer will be responsible for coordinating meetings, preparing documentation, and supporting governance activities within the National Department of Health (NDoH).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Secretariat and Governance Support Officer include providing full secretariat support to the Health Services Commission Technical Working group and Taskforce. This involves preparing agendas, briefing notes, and meeting documentation, as well as coordinating and scheduling all meetings, workshops, and consultations. The officer will record and prepare accurate minutes and action registers, ensuring they are circulated promptly and that follow-up on agreed actions is conducted. Additionally, the officer will draft and format letters, reports, and submissions, maintain a central record of all Taskforce documentation, and assist with logistical arrangements for meetings. The role also includes providing coordination and administrative support to the Legal and Governance Branch, preparing materials for governance meetings, tracking follow-up actions on governance decisions, and preparing communication briefs and progress reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Management, Law, Political Science, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years' experience in secretariat, governance, or policy coordination roles is required. Proven experience in minute-taking, drafting formal correspondence, and managing multi-stakeholder coordination is essential. Strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize competing tasks, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary. Familiarity with Government systems, NEC processes, or health sector structures is an advantage, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public administration, management, law, or political science. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of governance and health sector management, which are critical to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in secretariat, governance, or policy coordination roles. This experience should include responsibilities such as minute-taking, drafting formal correspondence, and managing coordination among multiple stakeholders, which are vital for the effective execution of the duties associated with this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at the National Department of Health in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and is expected to last for a period of 12 months. The vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar positions at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or interview may be used as a form of screening. Candidates will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance if retained for an interview. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment.