Mission and objectives

WHO in the Western Pacific Together with 37 Member States and areas, we fight infectious diseases like dengue and malaria, and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Through immunization campaigns and initiatives such as First Embrace, we help mothers and children survive and thrive. We ensure the safety of our environment, our air, our water and our food – all of which impact our health every day. We prepare for and rapidly respond to disasters and emergencies, never losing sight of the fact that we are dealing with issues of life and death. With the stakes so high, we strive for excellence in working to bring better health and well-being to the nearly 1.9 billion people of the Western Pacific Region.

Context

The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is dedicated to improving health and well-being across its member states. Its mandate includes providing technical support, facilitating health policy development, and promoting evidence-based health practices. WPRO focuses on addressing key health issues such as infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and health systems strengthening. WPRO operates through three main technical clusters: Universal Health Coverage, Communicable Diseases, and Non-Communicable Diseases. The assignment is within Administrative Services Unit (ASU) of the Division of Business Operations and Solutions Lab (BOS) of WPRO. Head of Unit is the Administrative Services Officer (ASO). Unit is responsible for providing the full range of administrative services to the various programmes and activities of the Organization in the Western Pacific Region, both in the Regional Office (RO) and Country Offices (WCO). Its objective is to provide support in the areas of building management and maintenance; Offices renovations and optimizations; protocol, travel, and transport; registry, pouch dispatch and freight services, meeting services, and asset and inventory management.

Task Description

Given the diverse administrative tasks and responsibilities of the supervisor (Administrative Services Officer (ASO)), the role of Administration Operations Officer involves comprehensive support and oversight across various areas within the ASU. Administrative Projects 1. Assist the ASO in reviewing, re-designing (if needed), and implementing building maintenance procedures, monitoring schedules, and coordinating planned/reactive maintenance to minimize downtime and operational costs. 2. Collaborate with relevant ASU Teams to ensure the provision of safe, secure, and legally compliant office and conference premises, adhering to standards and best practices. 3. Support the ASO in planning and execution of renovations, refurbishments, upgrades in offices and buildings across the compound, and in any other building related projects. 4. In the cooperation with respective ASU Team Leads, coordinates work of subcontractors and monitors their overall performance. Backup and Support 1. Act as the backup for the supervisor, ensuring smooth operations and overseeing multidisciplinary teams within ASU, including sub-contractors, and providing guidance to country offices during the supervisor's absence. 2. Assist in defining objectives, coordinating planned project implementation while ensuring adequate budget execution through guidance of ASO. 3. Closely cooperate with ASU Team Leads. Cafeteria Management 1. In the cooperation with respective ASU Team Lead, observe the adherence to food safety and sanitary standards within the cafeteria, ensuring hygienic food handling and quality service. 2. Establish mechanisms for collecting staff feedback on food quality, service, and menu options. Travel / Conference Coordination 1. In the collaboration with relevant ASU Team Leads, support coordination of travel, logistics, and conference services for important meetings within the region (including retreats of whole Regional Office, BOS Division, and ASU), ensuring compliance with travel regulations and efficient service delivery. Shipping, Registry, and Archiving 1. Extend help in promoting paperless archiving and transitioning paper-based documents into electronic files while working with relevant ASU Team Lead. 2. Extend guidance and coordination, if needed, during shipping process. Assistance with Private Matters 1. Under the guidance of ASO, assist newcomers on settling at the duty station while cooperating with relevant ASU staff. Fixed Assets, Inventory and Stores Management 1. Ensure proper management of fixed assets and inventory control through coordination with different WHO internal stakeholders (Regional and Country Offices) as the additional/complementary activity to what relevant ASU Team Lead does.

Competencies and values

1. Promoting the Organization’s assignment in Health Leadership. 2. Producing Results. 3. Moving Forward in a Changing Environment. 4. Communication. 5. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences. 6. Professionalism. 7. Integrity. 8. Teamwork and respect for diversity. 9. Commitment to continuous learning. 10. Planning and organizing.

Living conditions and remarks

Security Situation Manila, as the capital city of the Philippines, generally offers a safe environment for residents and visitors. However, like any major urban area, it has its challenges. While the city itself is typically secure, it’s important to remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions, particularly in neighborhoods known for higher crime rates. Volunteers should follow UN security protocols and travel advisories. Access and Air Travel Manila is home to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), the main gateway to the Philippines, offering numerous international and domestic flights. Public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services are widely available within the city. Climate Manila has a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). It experiences three main seasons: Tag-init (dry season, December to May), Tag-ulan (rainy season, June to November), and cooler months in December and February. Typhoons may occur during the rainy season. Cultural Awareness Manila is a melting pot of cultures. While dress is generally casual, modest clothing is recommended, especially in religious sites. Alcohol consumption is common in social settings; moderation is encouraged, as excessive drinking can be viewed negatively. Cost of Living and accommodation options: The cost of living in Manila depends on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. In Manila, volunteers have access to a variety of accommodation options, including shared apartments, guesthouses, and homestays. Rental prices vary based on location and available amenities. For more information and current pricing, please check the following link: https://wise.com/us/blog/cost-of-living-in-the-philippines Availability of Food/Water/Electricity Manila boasts a vibrant food scene, offering a variety of local and international cuisines. Fresh produce and seafood are readily available. However, tap water is generally not safe to drink, so bottled water is recommended. Electricity is widely available, although power outages can occur, particularly during severe weather. Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Manila are of good quality, with numerous hospitals providing both public and private services. It is advisable to have health insurance, as emergency care can be expensive. Banking Facilities Banks are easily accessible throughout Manila, offering ATMs, currency exchange, and online banking services. While credit cards are accepted in many establishments, Cash is commonly used in smaller shops. Communication Infrastructure Manila has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with reliable mobile networks and internet access. Major areas offer high-speed internet and affordable mobile plans are available. Education facilities Manila offers a variety of educational facilities for international UN volunteers with children, including international schools that follow different curricula, such as American, British, and IB programs. These schools provide quality education and a supportive environment for expatriate families. Many institutions also offer extracurricular activities and language support; early application is recommended. Entitlements of International UN Volunteer include Entry Lump Sum Allowance (USD3,500); Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) for International UN Volunteer Specialist based in Manila, Philippines; Entitlement Travel for UN Volunteer and eligible dependents (subject to authorization by UNV HQ in writing): Flight tickets (entry on duty & repatriation); Insurance Coverage; Annual Leave of 2.5 days per month; Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources; and Exit Lump Sum Allowance (USD225 per month served) payable upon successful completion of the assignment. Check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.