Director (Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems & Policies) - World Health Organization (Apply by: February 20, 2016)

Vacancy Notice No: SE/RO/P/2016/FT2 Title: Director, Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Grade: P6 Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment Duration of contract:  Two Years	Date: 7 January 2016 Application Deadline: 20 February 2016 (21 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  New Delhi, India   Organization unit: SEARO Regional Office for the South East Asia (SE/RGO) / SE/HSD Department of Health Systems Development (SE/HSD)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The Observatory is a collaborative partnership which brings together interested governments, international agencies, foundations, civil society and the research community. Its overarching goal is to support policy-makers to develop health systems that contribute to improved health outcomes and which are equitable, efficient, responsive and transparent. The Observatory's central objective is to support and promote evidence-based health policy-making by linking systematic and scientific analysis of health systems in the Asia Pacific Region with the decision-makers who shape policy and practice. To this end, it will provide policy-makers with comparative evidence and other information relevant to strategic policy decisions. The Observatory's research agenda is shaped by policy-makers, who provide input via the Observatory's Board and through other mechanisms. This helps to ensure that the Observatory's work is relevant and timely. Research is carried out by recognized academic institutions to ensure independent, credible and high-quality analysis. The incumbent is responsible for facilitating this synergy and translating it into a feasible, appropriate and financially sustainable programme of work.
Description of duties: The Observatory Secretariat will be run in a spirit of cooperation and partnership, with the Board guiding its work and the Strategic and Technical Advisory Committee advising on technical matters. Under the supervision of the WHO/SEARO Health Systems Development Director, the Observatory's Director will: 1. Provide strategic advice, guidance and expertise to all members of the Board (including WHO Regional Directors in both South East Asia and Western Pacific Regions) on any matter related to the Observatory's programme of work; 2. Build alliances and collaborate with the national, regional and international partners who constitute the Observatory's stakeholders to further Observatory objectives and to ensure that Observatory products respond to the information and knowledge needs of decision-makers in the Region; 3. Establish the reputation of the Observatory as an authoritative and renowned source of health systems knowledge and learning in the Asia Pacific; 4. Lead development of the Observatory's three-year strategic workplan and associated budget, as well as its annual workplan; 5. Contract and coordinate research institutions and networks to implement the approved Observatory workplan; 6. Manage and implement systems for quality assurance of Observatory products in collaboration with the Strategic and Technical Advisory Committee; 7. Develop and implement a dissemination strategy for Observatory products, including policy dialogue events; 8. Ensure the financial sustainability of the Observatory by developing fund-raising strategies and donor agreements; 9. Liaise with relevant programmes and country offices in WHO and other partner organizations as appropriate, to maximize synergy with existing technical support; 10. Liaise with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the network of health system observatories; 11. Ensure compliance with WHO rules and policies in the implementation of all Observatory activities; 12. Perform any other related tasks that may be required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: Postgraduate degree in public health, health economics, international health, health research, public policy or related field. Desirable: Doctoral qualification related to health systems and policies WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/
Skills:  Functional Skills and Knowledge: - Internationally-recognized expertise in health systems and policies research and analysis. Proven skills in leadership, management and negotiation as well as excellent communication skills. - Knowledge and understanding of resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation and capacity-building. - Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Competencies: 1. Teamwork 2. Communication 3. Respecting and Promoting individual and cultural differences 4. Ensuring effective use of resources 5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Other Skills (e.g. IT): Knowledge of WHO programmes, policies and administrative procedures an advantage.
Experience: Essential: At least 15 years' experience, in health systems and policy development at senior level, including considerable experience obtained in an international context, and a recognized track record in health systems research. Desirable: A strong track record in health systems research or health systems/policies in Asia Pacific Region.
Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English.
Additional Information: WHO's salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a base salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WHO: http://www.who.int to learn more about WHO's operations http://icsc.un.org Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date Mobility Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 96,540 at single rate USD 104,444 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 39 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
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