Qualifications

Purpose of the Post:

To advise and regularly inform the Director, Business Operations Division (BOS) and senior managers in WHO/Europe on the organizational accountability and risk considerations in decision-making and implementation, based on solid knowledge and analysis of policies, procedures, live information dashboards as well as recommendations from audits and decisions by governing bodies. To coordinate with all functional areas of BOS, other enabling functions and WHO offices to provide advice on internal controls, risk mitigation and accountability. To ensure that team members supervised are engaged and efficient in performing their duties.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objectives:

The objective of the Division of Business Operations (BOS) is to support the work of WHO in the European Region through delivery of services within the areas of human resources, finance, contracting and procurement, legal advice, information & communications technology, printing, security, facilities management, fixed assets, conference support, travel and transport, safeguarding personnel and staff wellness and well-being. As an enabling function, the division enhances the productivity of the health technical programmes and country offices while at the same time overseeing accountability, transparency and compliance with WHO administrative rules and regulations. The BOS division strives to strengthen the capacity of WHO/Europe to react in an agile way to external and internal changes. The division projects are designed to increase productivity, ensure financial sustainability of the region’s structures, reinforce a client-oriented culture, strengthen country office capacities, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance staff motivation and well-being.

Summary of Assigned Duties:

To advise and regularly inform the Director, Business Operations Division (BOS) and senior managers in WHO/Europe on the organizational accountability and risk considerations in decision-making and implementation, based on solid knowledge and analysis of policies, procedures, live information dashboards as well as recommendations from audits and decisions by governing bodies. To coordinate with all functional areas of BOS, other enabling functions and WHO offices to provide advice on internal controls, risk mitigation and accountability. To ensure that team members supervised are engaged and efficient in performing their duties.

Under the supervision of the Director, Business Operations and in regular coordination with the Unit Heads, Business Operations:

• Acts as a focal point for WHO/Europe for management accountability and risk monitoring. Fosters knowledge of managers in their decision-making, on policies, procedures and internal controls of WHO Secretariat and its business accountability reporting obligations to Member States.
• Proposes, coordinates consultations and drafts policies in WHO/Europe for accountability and risk management, consistent with corporate principles while addressing the implementation goals of WHO/Europe. Supports the BOS Units Heads and the BOS Administrative Officer in the implementation of new and updated WHO global corporate policies/procedures in business operations areas, as well as briefing/training for managers and staff.
• Monitors the systematic use and relevance of business intelligence dashboards that synthetize results of performance indicators and track organizational risk areas. Updates with periodic reports, including in preparation for senior management and governing bodies meetings, while recommending measures, action plans and timelines to address gaps in accountability, risks and internal controls.
• In coordination with the Finance Manager and other BOS Unit Heads, supports in implementation of internal and external audit recommendations and to the reports to senior management on the closure of these recommendations.
• Plans and coordinates administrative and programmatic reviews of WHO/Europe budget centres, including in the follow-up reports and recommendations on efficiency and effectiveness in business operations, as well as capacity building needs.
• Coordinates inputs, conducts analysis and draft reports for submission by the Business Operations Division to senior management in WHO/Europe, Headquarters, Governing Bodies, international organizations and other key WHO partners. 
• As mandated by the Office of Internal Oversight Services, assists in fact-finding further to allegations of fraud or other types of misconduct allegations.
• Fosters knowledge and capacity building at all levels of WHO/Europe workforce; develops learning content in risk management and accountability applicable to the different audiences and jobs in the Region.
• Guides, supervises and motivates staff and support their development opportunities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Functional Knowledge and Skills:

• Broad knowledge of areas of business operations (finance, procurement, human resources, IT, legal, security etc.) and standards of governance of an international organization.
• Knowledge of accountability, risk and audit principles.
• Ability to coach staff in sustaining business improvement and managing change.
• Strong interpersonal skills; diplomacy, tact and ability to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds; ability to develop and coordinate networks with relevant players in the international health field.
• Ability to leverage technology in service of accuracy and timeliness in accountability and risk monitoring and reporting.
• Emotional awareness; Ability to identify and harness one’s emotions and apply them to tasks; and the ability to manage emotions, which includes both regulating one’s own emotions when necessary and helping others to do the same.

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Master’s degree in Public/Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics, Law, or other relevant related field.

Desirable: Training in auditing, risk management, programme evaluation or relevant to the duties performed

Experience:

Essential: A least seven years of relevant and progressive experience in working in management, operations, internal control frameworks, accountability, compliance or risk management. Demonstrated experience using ERP and business intelligence tools.

Desirable: Relevant experience within WHO, the UN and/or international organizations

Use of Language Skills:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of either French, Russian or German.

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 77,326 (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 1501 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.