Director of the Convention Secretariat

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention Secretariat is a global entity established to lead the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and its Protocol. The WHO FCTC came into force on February 27, 2005, and currently has 183 Parties, while the Protocol entered into force on September 25, 2018, with 70 Parties. The mission of the Convention Secretariat is to support these Parties in implementing the treaties to protect current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco. The organization promotes the visibility of the treaties and assists countries in becoming Parties to them.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Convention Secretariat will lead the organization and serve the governing and subsidiary bodies of the WHO FCTC and its Protocol. This role involves furthering the implementation of specific treaty provisions and supporting the development of treaty instruments, including guidelines for implementation, within a complex political environment. The successful candidate will provide support to Parties in developing and implementing tobacco control measures in accordance with treaty obligations, while also protecting public health and anti-illicit trade policies from the tobacco industry's influence. The Director will promote political awareness and visibility for the treaties, strengthen international cooperation, and collaborate with various organizations to promote the treaties in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, the Director will monitor and report on the implementation of the treaties by Parties and manage the day-to-day operations of the Convention Secretariat, including resource mobilization for workplans and budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful individual will lead the Convention Secretariat and serve governing and subsidiary bodies of the WHO FCTC and the Protocol. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the implementation of specific provisions of the treaties and supporting the development of treaty instruments.
• Providing support to Parties in developing and implementing tobacco control measures.
• Protecting public health and anti-illicit trade policies from tobacco industry influence.
• Promoting political awareness and visibility for the WHO FCTC and the Protocol.
• Strengthening treaty-related international cooperation and supporting South-South and Triangular cooperation.
• Collaborating with the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases.
• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the treaties by Parties.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Convention Secretariat, including resource mobilization for workplans and budgets.
• Performing any other duties as mandated by decisions of the COP and the MOP.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced degree (at least Master's or equivalent) in public health, public administration, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international relations, or a relevant discipline. Candidates should have at least 15 years of experience, including a minimum of five years of international experience in tobacco control, international health, and the fight against illicit trade. Experience working with international organizations and Member States, as well as maintaining strong links with the international tobacco control and anti-fraud community, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate organizational management skills and the ability to analyze and solve complex problems, as well as experience in effectively mobilizing resources and dealing with various stakeholders, including the media and civil society.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as public health, public administration, international law, or international relations. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of tobacco control and international health policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of professional experience, with a minimum of five years in an international context related to tobacco control and health. This experience should include working with international organizations and Member States, as well as coordinating with various stakeholders in the tobacco control and anti-fraud sectors. Demonstrable experience in organizational management and resource mobilization is also required.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of any other official WHO language (French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian) is desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a time-limited appointment of four years, with the possibility of a single renewal for an additional four years. The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 128,422, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Geneva. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. Candidates must complete a Declaration of Interest form and commit not to engage with the tobacco industry during and for five years after their appointment. The selection process may include a written test and/or video assessment, and candidates are encouraged to provide a motivation letter with their application.