More Information
- Experience 5-10
1. PURPOSE OF POSITION SETTING:
To ensure the smooth flow of work in WR’s office, in coordination with a range of internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent coordinates key routine functions of the Representative’s office with different staff and sectors.
2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
*Objectives of the Programme and the immediate Strategic Objective
To ensure that effective WHO country presence is established to implement WHO country cooperation strategies that are aligned with Member State’s health and development agendas, and harmonized with the United Nations country teams.
*Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on the intricacy and difficulty of working environment)
Under the supervision of the WR, the assistant is a team member in the WHO Representative’s office. Routine tasks are performed independently with some discretion in non-routine matters related to office procedures only, and guidance is provided by the supervisor on particularly complex or sensitive and urgent matters.
Established procedural and office guidelines are available, but where guidelines are incomplete, some interpretation may be required. The incumbent may need to select an approach to work where precedents do not exist.
Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
1. Arrange and maintain WR’s calendar of appointments, internal/external meetings including with high-ranking officials, receive visitors, place and receive telephone calls and answer queries, provide informal translation and take notes during meetings, as required.
2. Receive, screen and route correspondence; undertake searches for information and provide background, as required; compile briefing materials needed by the Representative for use on official trips or special meetings, select and make pertinent abstracts.
3. Maintain contacts with different external partners including counterparts and officials in government institutions and diplomatic missions as needed; keep close contacts with counterparts in sister UN agencies; arrange and coordinate meetings as appropriate, maintain follow up system in relation to external contacts.
4. Draft routine correspondence, type documents and reports, some of which are confidential, prepare tables, graphs and power point presentations, review correspondence/ document for conformity with established procedures and accuracy of statements.
5. Organize the WR’s travel this includes raising travel requests in the Global Management System (GSM), requesting itineraries, obtaining visas, arranging hotel bookings, requesting security clearance, etc., and following up/keeping records on the submission of the WR’s duty travel reports.
6. Ensure timely renewal of WR’s residency permits, UN Laissez Passer and other personal documents.
7. Maintain and update the WR’s library, list of contacts of different stakeholders, technical records, reference material and confidential files (paper based and electronic copies).
8. Assist in administrative matters and meetings as needed, including briefing junior administrative staff and replace other staff as required.
9. Any Other tasks as assigned
3. QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
* Essential: Completion of secondary school, secretarial training and Computer Training.
Desirable: University degree in business administration, social sciences or related field is an asset.
4. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:
*Essential: At least five years’ progressive secretarial/administrative experience.
Desirable: Relevant experience in the UN system
5. LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Essential: English and Somalia
Desirable: N/A
6. COMPETENCIES:
Describe the core, management competencies required – See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones.
1. Teamwork*
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences*
3. Communication*
4. Producing Results
5. Knowing and managing yourself
7. Functional Knowledge and Skill:
*Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position;
1. Good filing and organizational skills. Ability to maintain good working relationships with national and international staff.-
2. Good knowledge of WHO rules, manuals, practices, procedures and WHO Style Guide as applicable to the secretarial level an asset.
How to apply
Your application should be sent to the below email address, please indicate the title of the position in the email subject by close of business Friday 20 December 2025. It should include a cover letter & a detailed CV (*as one document in PDF format) with your contact details.
Email: emacosomrecruitment@who.int