External Relations/Resource Mobilization at World Health Organization

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies incident management system, at the country level, the incumbent will provide project management support in the implementation of the technical and operational plans, coordinate the allocation and use of financial resources and manage grants in close consultation with related teams, to ensure the effective delivery of technical programmes in support to the full cycle of the incident.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.

• Develop a flexible and innovative resource mobilization strategy to ensure sustainable financing for the work of WHE at country level. In coordination with relevant technical officers, write donor briefing materials, funding proposals and other WHO and UN appeal documents; to be used as an advocacy and fundraising tools.
• Identify and partner with main humanitarian donors to the country (in consultation with HQ and Regional Office resource mobilization teams). Represent WHO at donor coordination meetings; proactively contribute to negotiations for rapid donor agreements.
• Research the interests and application requirements of the main donors and other sources of funding to the country, identifying trends as well as opportunities and risks and positioning WHE as appropriate, in consultation with HQ.
• Oversee the overall activities related to mobilization of resources, grants management, analysis of funding needs and gaps and the award management process at the country office level. Maintain project calendars and milestones; analyse information on project activities and monitor progress towards targets using various project management databases.
• Work closely with HQ and the relevant Regional Office focal points as required to ensure the development of strategic funding proposals, grants, donor agreements and other external relations activities. Provide technical expertise and resource mobilization guidance to the staff at the country office level.
• Support the management of multiple projects throughout the project life cycle: monitor implementation rates and reporting deadlines and ensure activities and expenditures are aligned with the terms and conditions set out in individual donor agreements; work closely with procurement, logistic, HR and technical staff to monitor the overall implementation of emergency projects.
• Liaise and build partnerships with local representatives of OCHA or other coordination agencies in the country to ensure that WHO participates in system-wide resource mobilization activities organized by OCHA and that it effectively engages with CERF and Country-Based Pooled Funds staff at country level to secure funding from those sources.
• In coordination with the Communication and Advocacy Officer, effectively utilize the communication products to inform donors about both Health Sector and WHO’s strategies and work to encourage them to fund the overall health sector response to affected populations and WHO’s strategic plans and proposals.
• Perform any other emergency-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: Advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in social sciences, international relations, political sciences, communications, marketing, management, economics accounting, financial management, business or public administration from an accredited/recognized institute..
• Desirable: Specific studies on resource mobilization, communication, studies on development and/or humanitarian work. Training in donor intelligence, proposal writing, and general project management.

Experience

Essential:

• At least seven years’ related experience, at the national and international level, in resource mobilization, external relations and/or grants management. Documented achievements in fundraising activities, part of which supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities.
• Proven experience in writing resource mobilization proposals, donor reports and related documents

Desirable:

• Prior working experience with WHO/UN, health cluster partners or with an international nongovernmental or recognized humanitarian organization.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, representational and organizational skills, with proven ability to facilitate and strengthen the involvement and collaboration of a broad range of internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilization, including the ability to conceptualize resource mobilization strategies and approaches and achieve consensus with donors and partners.
• Integrity, tact and discretion.
• Ability to work and achieve goals under pressure.
• Sound understanding of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development, and its burden on populations.
• Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals as related to mobilization of resources.
• Good knowledge of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context is an asset.