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
As part of the unit team, to assist the Regional Legal Officer (RLO) by performing a variety of coordinating, monitoring and administrative services in the support of the legal unit, acting as the focal point of receipt for all the incoming requests and documents. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Legal Officer (RLO), the responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following:
Legal matters related support to the Legal Office
Prepares analysis, briefs and executive summaries for the attention of the supervisor, offering/suggesting solutions as appropriate for standard requests/issues, based on precedents and other legal cases. In particular, the incumbent is expected to:
- Analyze all documents submitted by the technical and administrative units/divisions, identifying major legal issues. Review documentation for consistency, ensuring all necessary background information is prepared for the attention of the LO; follow up on target deadlines and ensure relevant parties are informed of case status.
- Review proposed routine agreements, contracts and other legal documents to ensure they conform with previous advice given by LEG, bringing any outstanding issues to the attention of the supervisor.
- Analyze and prepare for approval by LO applications for co-sponsorship, use of emblem, flag ensuring all documents conform to WHO internal policies and any previously given authorizations from LEG.
In the absence of the RLO, ensure smooth running of the office by briefing the other legal officers in EURO, the Director of Business Operations and, as appropriate, legal officers in HQ.
Perform other related duties, as assigned.
General administrative support to Legal Office and RLO
- Logs in all incoming requests (verbal and written, from internal and external parties), assessing the degree of urgency and importance, setting priorities for action for proposal to the supervisor. Monitors action taken.
- Liaises with staff as appropriate in the process of handling/processing work, providing briefing and guidance as requested on standard legal operations, legal documents, templates, etc., including information on processes and procedures specific to the activities of the Legal Office.
- Attends meetings and drafts minutes, selects and compiles relevant background materials and prepares relevant documents; monitors follow-up actions.
- Provides ballpark translations of incoming mail and/or documents, when requested.
- Prepares outgoing communications, ensuring that they conform to official WHO style; types, scans, formats and prepares drafts, forms, documents, etc.; proofreads to ensure accuracy, precise presentation of the text and adherence to the Organization’s eManual provisions.
- Creates, maintains and uses filing (electronic and paper), reference and follow-up systems for work of RLO.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Equivalent to graduation from secondary school.
Desirable: University degree in law or legal education relevant to the position.
Experience
Essential: At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the secretarial/administrative field, of which at least three years’ experience in the paralegal field.
Desirable: Relevant experience either in WHO or UN, or in an international environment or institution.
Skills
Ability to handle complex and confidential matters with close attention to details.
Tact, discretion, confidentiality and courtesy are essential personal attribute
Advisory and office management skills.
Proficiency in the use of standard office computer software, note taking and operation of computerized systems and databases.
Sound judgment, integrity and tact when dealing with others. Ability to meet work deadlines in a timely manner and to work independently in a team environment. Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
Emotional intelligence; Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Turkish.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other UN language (French, Russian or German).
REMUNERATION
United States Dollars 19,611 as starting annual net base salary exempt from local income tax (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave. For more information on the applicable salary scale for Türkiye: https://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salaries/turkey.htm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test may be used as a form of screening.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
Applications from women are particularly encouraged.
