Liaison Officer

Description of Duties Through a close liaison between the Kosovo health authorities and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, facilitate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Organization's programme. The incumbent coordinate's WHO's work with health development and UN System partners, contributing to the achievement of health objectives and commitments. Key Duties As Liaison Officer between the health authorities and the WHO Regional Office, the incumbent assumes the coordination and oversight of WHO activities in Kosovo through the relevant managerial processes and responsibilities, as well as administration of partnership activities. Establish and sustain partnerships with relevant health stakeholders, and contribute to certifying the correct high technical quality, policy relevant and timely implementation of all activities carried out under the donor financed initiatives or in agreed partnerships. Act as a neutral broker and facilitate multisectoral policy dialogue between health authorities, WHO Regional Office, the local donor community and other local partners, on health and development policies. Support the implementation of WHO activities with a special focus on using the Second European Program of Work its approaches and flagship initiatives, as well as the GPW14. This includes providing support to health authorities and other sectors in activities which include developing, implementing and evaluating policies and strategies that help to improve health system performance, inter-sectorial action for health and wellbeing with the involvement of stakeholders and actors at central and local level. Provide health leadership technical assistance and policy advice at central level on priority issues such as: strengthening health systems, public health functions, emergency preparedness, surveillance and response; implementation of strategies and interventions to address the health burden of communicable diseases, the environment and non-communicable diseases across the life‑course as well as on the implementation of the SDGs with a specific focus on SDG 3 and its targets. Provide support to authorities and counterparts in the application of WHO tools and guidelines for the improvement of health information and collation of information, data analysis, and preparation of regular and timely briefings, reports, or situation analysis. Oversee the day‑to‑day running and operations of the WHO Office, ensuring that work is carried out within WHO rules, regulations and accepted standards. Link with institutions, associations and nongovernmental agencies and scientific bodies, for exchange of information, coordination of activities and implementation of sector wide approaches. Liaise with key stakeholders and partners and seek to expand partnership for health in all policies. Contribute in mobilizing support and resources for health and advocate for health to be considered as an integral part of Kosovo development and aid cooperation. Ensure visibility of and promote WHO's work by means of networking and partnerships with relevant health communications stakeholders (media, civil society, authorities and non‑government communications experts from other agencies, etc.). Assist in preparations of missions to the field and support consultants or on missions. Required Qualifications Education Essential: University degree (Bachelor's level) in medicine, public health, social, political sciences, economics or relevant areas. Desirable: Master's degree in one of the above fields. Experience Essential: At least five years of demonstrated experience at national or equivalent level providing technical and managerial support and policy advice in any of the following areas: strengthening health systems, public health functions, emergency preparedness, surveillance and response; implementation of strategies and interventions to address the health burden of communicable diseases, non‑communicable diseases and the environment. Demonstrated experience coordinating activities with partners, stakeholders and donors in the areas public health, health systems or international development. Desirable: Experience working with international organizations, WHO, or the UN in delivering policy advice and technical support to countries. Skills Demonstrated knowledge of WHO policies and programmes. Demonstrated ability in working with senior officials, stakeholders, health actors, civil society and other networks in the area of public health. Demonstrated advocacy skills. Analytical skills and demonstrated knowledge on health system analysis. WHO Competencies Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Use of Language Skills Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of local language. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French, Russian and / or German. #J-18808-Ljbffr