Team Lead, External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies (EPG)

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 has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for human rights, aiming to ensure that everyone can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The Team Lead for External Relations, Partnerships, and Governing Bodies (EPG) plays a crucial role in supporting the Regional Director by providing political, strategic, and technical assistance in establishing and maintaining partnerships with UN agencies, donors, governments, inter-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. This position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the AFRO Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy, ensuring alignment with WHO's global strategic plans. The incumbent will oversee the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA) in the African Region and will represent the African Region in WHO's governing bodies. The EPG Unit's primary objective is to mobilize political will and resources to position regional health priorities on the international agenda, thereby achieving technical and strategic recognition within the regional context. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the African Union and other regional economic communities, to enhance the contributions of the African Region to WHO's work and to build the capacities of WHO/AFRO entities in cultivating productive partnerships for health initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties: Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the EPG work plan, including budget management; Advocate for and support capacity building for partnerships and resource mobilization; Foster collaboration with the African Union, Economic Commission for Africa, and Regional Economic Communities; Promote relationships with UN agencies, donors, and governmental organizations; Oversee AFRO's alignment with WHO Governing Bodies; Implement global governance reforms at the regional level; Enhance contributions of African delegations to WHO's Governing Bodies; Lead the development and management of the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy; Act as the AFRO focal point in the Global Resource Mobilization coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Team; Implement FENSA in the African Region; Manage funding and partnership agreements; Lead recruitment and staffing within the unit; Conduct performance evaluations and establish work objectives for unit personnel; Oversee the Harmonization for Health in Africa Secretariat; Provide leadership and manage staff performance and development; Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in public health, international relations, or a related field with a focus on health policy development. Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in external relations, partnerships, and resource mobilization at both national and international levels, with a proven track record in managing complex partnership portfolios. Experience in humanitarian settings is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong managerial and leadership skills, excellent analytical and organizational abilities, and proficiency in writing under tight deadlines. Networking and interpersonal skills are crucial, along with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively. Candidates must also exhibit the ability to work independently and collaboratively across various teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in public health, international relations, or a related field. This educational background should be complemented by practical experience in applying these disciplines to the development of health policies and strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in external relations, partnerships, and resource mobilization at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing complex partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector entities, foundations, and non-state actors. Experience in planning and organizing international meetings is also essential.

Languages:
Proficient knowledge of English or French is essential, with a good working knowledge of the other language being advantageous. This bilingual proficiency is necessary for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additional benefits include a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees and certificates prior to the interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and candidates may be assigned to any duty station worldwide. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.