Programme Assistant Position At World Health Organization

1. Background

Assistive Technology is life-changing for people in need. Access to assistive technology is a fundamental human right and the need is increasing fast as populations age globally and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases rise. However, assistive technology is often disregarded on global health and development agendas, leading to limited and fragmented investment. AT is the application of organized knowledge and skills related to assistive products, including systems and services.

Assistive products such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication aids, spectacles, prostheses, pill organizers and memory aids maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being.

Globally, 1 in 3 people today are estimated to be living with a health condition that benefits from rehabilitation. This need for rehabilitation worldwide is predicted to increase in the coming years, due to changes in the health and characteristics of the population.

2. Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this position is to support work towards establishment of Assistive Technology Centre of Excellence in the Republic of Kenya. It will involve logistical and administrative project support work for the preparation phase of this project including setting up and assisting at meetings with key stakeholders in consultation with project teams at MOH, UNOPS, WCO, WHO AFRO and HQ.

3. Work to be performed

The Programme Assistant will be involved in liaising with project teams and assistive technology stakeholders in Kenya to conduct amongst other tasks:

i. Serve as liaison between the Ministry of Health, WHO country office, project teams from WHO HQ and AFRO and UNOPS under the overall guidance of the WCO Disability prevention focal point.

ii. Work to and monitor the agreed workplan and timelines for the preparation phase of the AT Centre of Excellence establishment.

iii. Schedule, manage invitations and assist at face/virtual meetings/workshops between stakeholders including logistical arrangements, taking meeting minutes, circulating minutes after meetings to relevant stakeholders.

iv. Follow up on actions agreed during meetings including sending reminders and/or carrying out actions where appropriate and requested.

4. Expected outputs

• Minutes of meetings
• Reports of key meetings and activities as required

5. Period of contract **

6 months

6. Technical supervision

The Programme Assistant will work under the supervision of the National Professional Officer Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control at the Kenya Country Office with the guidance of the Project Responsible Officers at WHO AFRO and HQ.

7. Qualification, experience and skills

Educational qualification

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration, or related field.

Experience required

• Essential: A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in project administration, logistics, coordination.
• Desirable: A background in rehabilitation / public health / health care would be useful.

Skills/Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent administration and organisation skills
• Excellent written skills
• Excellent time management
• Good level of written and speaking English
• Good communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Initiative and at the same time willingness to take direction from manager

8. Place of assignment

The assignment will take place in Nairobi Kenya.