Team Lead, External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies

Position details

• Vacancy number: 2604151
• Grade: P5
• Contractual arrangement: Fixed-term appointment
• Contract duration: 2 Years
• Organization: AF/ORD Office of the Regional Director
• Schedule: Full-time
• Closing date: Oct 26, 2026, 7:59:00 AM

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the Team Lead, External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies (EPG) position, is to support the Regional Director by providing political, strategic, and technical support in developing viable and stable partnerships and relations with UN agencies, donors, and government, inter-governmental and private companies.  This support includes leading development and implementation of the AFRO Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy and representation of the African Region in similar WHO global strategic plans. The incumbent oversees the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA) in the African Region and AFRO’s work with governing bodies.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):

The External Relations, Partnerships and Governing Bodies (EPG) Unit mobilizes political will and resources through the building and maintenance of strategic alliances, partnerships, resource mobilization and external relations to position the Organization's regional health priorities into the agenda of the international community and attain technical and strategic recognition within the regional setting.  The Unit coordinates the work of the Regional Committee, enhances the contributions of delegations of the African Region to the work of WHO's Governing Bodies in support of the achievement of regional health goals, and builds the capacities of WHO/AFRO entities, in particular WCOs, to cultivate and leverage productive partnerships with governments, other in-country stakeholders, development organizations, inter-governmental agencies, non-state actors and the international community for regional and national health initiatives and programmes.

Organizational Context (Describe the work environment; the role of the individual within the team 
team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc.; available guidelines and degree of independence in decision making; and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization):
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Office of the Regional Director (ORD) and overall guidance of the Regional Director, the Head of EPG unit, serves as an organizational expert; promote working relationships and collaboration with UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, governmental and inter-governmental organizations and foundations; advocate, support and build capacity for resource mobilization; and oversee AFRO's work in support of the work of the Regional Committee and its alignment to the work of WHO Governing Bodies.  His/her work will be guided by the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy and relevant WHO Policy Documents.

Contacts

Under the supervision of the Director of the Office of the Regional Director (ORD) and overall guidance of the 
Regional Director, and in collaboration with Programme and Operational Clusters of WHO AFRO, and strategic partners, the incumbent will facilitate, formulate, review and implement programmes, exchange information, technically advise and guide the team supervised at WHO/AFRO Regional Office, ISTs, Country Offices, and Collaborating Centers, to execute the programme of work in the context of the WHO/AFRO agenda and the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy.  S/he will collaborate, in particular, with other ORD units on strengthening AFRO’s regional positioning as a health leader through effective advocacy and partnerships strategies; and with principal counterparts across other WHO Regional offices, statutory bodies and advisory groups.  The incumbent facilitates cross-cluster collaboration of team members across the RO for delivering organizational results. Successful formulation and attainment of the objectives and expected results involve collaboration with a broad range of experts, policy makers and representatives of United Nations, other multilateral- and bilateral agencies, academia, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:
·    Lead, coordinate and facilitate the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting, of the plan of work for EPG, including management of the EPG budget and resources;
·    Advocate, support and build capacity for partnerships and resource mobilization;
·    Support collaboration with the African Union (AU), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and Regional Economic Communities (RECs);
·    Promote working relationships and collaboration with UN agencies, donors, governmental and inter-governmental organizations and foundations;
·    Oversee AFRO's work in support of the work of the Regional Committee and its alignment to the work of WHO Governing Bodies;
·    Implement and align global governance reform at the Regional level;
·    Enhance the contributions of delegations of the African Region to the work of WHO Governing Bodies;
·    Lead the development and manage the implementation of the Regional Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy;
·    Participate, as the AFRO focal point, in the Global Resource Mobilization Coordination Team (GRMCT);
·    Lead the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA) in the African Region;
·    Organize the management, review and clearance of funding and partnerships agreements, including through the management of CEM. 
·    In coordination with HRT, lead the recruitment & staffing of positions in the unit; establish work objectives for unit personnel and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines;
·    Oversee the functioning of the Harmonization for Health in Africa (HHA) Secretariat;
·    Provide leadership to and manage the staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their performance, continuous development and engagement, promoting a culture of working across clusters, and integrity in accordance with the Organization's policies, rules, procedures, and values;
·    Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential:  Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in public health, international relations, or equivalent and their application to the development of health policies and strategies;

Desirable:

EXPERIENCE

Essential: A minimum of ten years’ of progressively responsible experience at national and international levels in external relations, partnerships and resource mobilization intergovernmental processes with a proven track-record. Experience in humanitarian settings is an asset.

Proven experience managing complex partnership portfolios with bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, foundations, and non-State actors.
Experience in planning/organizing international meetings.

Skills
Proven managerial and leadership skills; 
Excellent analytical, organizational and group facilitation skills.
Excellent writing skills in English in a variety of styles and under tight deadlines and pressure. Demonstrated networking skills, excellent interpersonal skills; 
Ability to multitask and prioritize competing priorities;
Proven ability to plan, execute, collaborate and work independently.
WHO Competencies
Producing results
Building and Promoting Partnerships Across the Organization and Beyond
Positioning the Organization in Health Leadership
Communications
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Functional Knowledge and Skills

Diplomatic skills with the ability to negotiate and engage strategic partnerships for the organization at national, regional, and international levels;
Understanding of THE operational work of the broader UN System and at country level.

Use of Language Skills
Essential: Proficient knowledge of English or French with good working knowledge of the other.

   Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Working level of computer literacy with proven ability to use standard office software packages, including Salesforce.

REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3894 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
⦁    This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
⦁    Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
⦁    A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
⦁    In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
⦁    According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
⦁    Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
⦁    The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
⦁    Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
⦁    WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
⦁    WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
⦁    Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to ⦁    reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
⦁    An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the ⦁    WHO Values Charter into practice.
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⦁    Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
⦁    WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
⦁    The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
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