Director, Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies Grade: P-6

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 Steering Committee 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 post holder 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 Steering Committee guiding its work. The Observatory's Director will: 1. Provide strategic advice, guidance and expertise to all members of the Steering Committee (including WHO Regional Directors in both Western Pacific and Asia Pacific Regions) on any matter related to the Observatory's programme of work; 2. Ensure compliance with WHO rules and policies in the implementation of all Observatory activities; 3. 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; 4. Establish the reputation of the Observatory as an authoritative and renowned source of health systems knowledge and learning in the Asia Pacific; 5. Lead development of the Observatory's three-year strategic workplan and associated budget, as well as its annual workplan; 6. Contract and coordinate research institutions and networks to implement the approved Observatory workplan; 7. Manage and implement systems for quality assurance of Observatory products in collaboration with the Reserch Advisory Group; 8. Develop and implement a dissemination strategy for Observatory products, including policy dialogue events; 9. Ensure the financial sustainability of the Observatory by developing fund-raising strategies and donor agreements; 10. Liaise with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the network of health system observatories; 11. Liaise with relevant programmes and country offices in WHO and other partner organizations as appropriate, to maximize synergy with existing technical support; 12. Perform any other related tasks that may be required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Postgraduate degree in public health, health economics, international health, health research, public policy or related field is essential. Doctoral qualification related to health systems and policies is desirable.
Skills: - 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. Other Skills (e.g. IT): Knowledge of WHO programmes, policies and administrative procedures an advantage. Competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way 3. Ensuring the effective use of resources 4. Promoting innovation and organizational learning 5. Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond
Experience: Over 10 years experience in health systems and policy development at senior level, including at least five years of experience at international level, and a recognized track record in health systems research is essential. A strong track record in health systems research or health systems/policies in Asia Pacific Region is desirable.
Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD95 270 at single rate USD103 070 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 51.2 % 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.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.