National Professional 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 194 Member States across six regions, with a workforce of over 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the General Programme of Work, which emphasizes accountability, health coverage, and addressing health emergencies. The European Region of WHO includes 53 countries and over 880 million people, focusing on diverse health situations and the needs of disadvantaged populations.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is pivotal in facilitating collaboration between the Kosovo health authorities and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating WHO's health programs in Kosovo, ensuring that health objectives are met through effective partnerships and technical support. This role requires a deep understanding of health systems, public health functions, and emergency preparedness. The officer will support the implementation of WHO's strategies and initiatives, particularly focusing on improving health system performance and addressing public health challenges. The position demands strong leadership and advocacy skills to mobilize resources and promote health as a key component of Kosovo's development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the Liaison Officer between Kosovo health authorities and the WHO Regional Office, overseeing WHO activities and partnership initiatives.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with health stakeholders, ensuring high-quality and timely implementation of donor-funded initiatives.
• Facilitate multisectoral policy dialogue on health and development policies among various stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of WHO activities, focusing on the Second European Program of Work and the General Programme of Work (GPW14).
• Provide technical assistance and policy advice on strengthening health systems and addressing public health issues.
• Assist in the application of WHO tools for health information improvement and data analysis.
• Oversee the daily operations of the WHO Office, ensuring compliance with WHO standards.
• Liaise with institutions and agencies for information exchange and coordination of health activities.
• Advocate for health in Kosovo's development and aid cooperation. 1
• Promote WHO's work through networking and partnerships with health communication stakeholders. 1
• Support field missions and assist consultants during their assignments.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree (Bachelor's level) in medicine, public health, social or political sciences, economics, or related fields. A Master's degree in one of these areas is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate at least five years of experience providing technical and managerial support in public health, health systems, or international development. Experience in coordinating activities with partners and stakeholders is essential, while experience with international organizations like WHO or the UN is desirable. Candidates should possess strong advocacy, analytical, and communication skills, along with knowledge of WHO policies and programs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree at the Bachelor's level in relevant fields such as medicine, public health, social sciences, or economics. A Master's degree in one of these areas is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex health systems and policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of demonstrated experience at the national or equivalent level, providing technical and managerial support in areas such as health systems strengthening, public health functions, and emergency preparedness. Experience in coordinating activities with various stakeholders, including donors and health authorities, is essential. Desirable experience includes working with international organizations, particularly in delivering policy advice and technical support to countries.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and the local language. Desirable skills include intermediate knowledge of French, Russian, and/or German, which can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Kosovo will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at EUR 45,328, with mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.