About WHO Collaborating Centres
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategic priorities and technical workplans guide WHO activities and programs across the world. WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) are institutions such as parts of research institutes, universities or government-associated agencies, which are designated by the DirectorGeneral to carry out activities in support of these efforts. The WHO relies on the expertise and advice of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCC) to deliver on the priorities and execute its workplans. Currently there are around 800 WHOCCs in over 80 member countries, that support the WHO’s implementation agenda across a wide range of activities in partnership with the WHO. According to the WHO, “[Collaborating Centres] represent a valuable resource as an extended and integral arm of WHO’s capacity to implement its mandated work.”
As of July 2023, there are 54 WHOCCs in Australia, the highest number per capita in the world. These WHOCCs generate widespread and positive impacts for health systems and outcomes. As a recognition of long-term collaboration and mutual benefit, the WHOCC designation highlights the significant contributions made by the WHOCCs to public health both internationally and domestically.
Nonetheless, there is an important gap in the understanding, communication and collaboration between the Australian WHOCCs that can be addressed. In addition, as repositories of global health expertise, there is a need to heighten the visibility of the WHOCCs to domestic audiences and agencies
The Network
The Australian Network of WHO Collaborating Centres Network was established in 2019 following an extensive scoping phase, undertaken by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Australian Global Health Alliance, DFAT and the Federal Department of Health.
Responding to the opportunity to use the WHOCC resource more strategically, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) funded the Australian Global Health Alliance to establish a Network over an initial four-year period to support and promote the WHOCCs based in Australia.
Through a national Network, the WHOCCs are able to exchange information, foster good practices, and develop technical cooperation amongst each other, and with the state and Commonwealth governments and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, the Network helps facilitate greater understanding and use of expertise, in-country experience and global networks by governments and other entities.
POSITION SUMMARY
This is an exciting opportunity for a high performing self-starter to drive the growth and sustainability of the Australian Network of WHO Collaborating Centres during a time of transition. The successful candidate will have the chance to make the most of their skills in project management, communications, stakeholder management and problem-solving to further fund, develop, and promote a dynamic Network.
Hosted by the Australian Global Health Alliance Australia (the national peak body for global health institutions and organisations) under the auspices of Nossal Institute Limited, the Network Coordinator will work closely with the current Network executive and Alliance leadership to manage the Network secretariat function and activities, and implement a transition plan for sustained activity and growth.
This is a part-time fixed-term appointment for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension for the right candidate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Manage secretariat function which includes, but is not limited to:
- Prepare and execute monthly network Executive Committee meetings, including developing the agenda with the input of the Executive, taking and circulating minutes, and leading on the follow-up of action items)
- Be the main focal point for the Network for all relevant stakeholders, in particular for communications with the Australian Global Health Alliance, WHO, Network member centres and funding partners
- Implement communications processes, including dissemination of member updates and news, preparation of quarterly e-newsletter and regular social media updating (Twitter and LinkedIn)
- Project manage the workplan and needs of the Network and its members. This includes the planning and execution of occasional networking events
- Network with all relevant stakeholders to establish priority areas of activity and to promote the Network
2. Support sustainable growth for the Network
- Draft business cases and funding proposals as identified by the Executive Committee and with support of leadership
- Support the Network to identify sustainable funding streams
- As delegated by the Committee, undertake risk management activities, including assessment, monitoring and reporting on financial and operational risks
- Any other duties as required
3. Responsibility and Compliance
- Maintain a sound knowledge of Nossal Institute’s Policy and Procedures, and reliably follow these or provide compliant advice to others;
- Ensure a thorough understanding of all contractual commitments and deliverables and the legal and regulatory frameworks referenced.
- Reliably follow communications protocols and/or policies as appropriate.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) responsibilities as outlined below.
- Behavioural Expectations – All staff are expected to maintain the following behaviours:
- Treat everyone equitably; act fairly with staff and demonstrate respect for diversity
- Be an effective team player who is cooperative and gains the trust and support of staff, peers and clients through collaboration.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
A. ESSENTIAL
- Post-graduate qualifications in public health, social science or a relevant area
- Demonstrated experience in project and contract management
- Demonstrated contract management and contract literacy skills, including ensuring milestone deliverables are fulfilled; contract risks are highlighted; and contract payments and invoices are managed
- Demonstrated relationship management skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully communicate, negotiate with multiple stakeholders
- Excellent written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with a high degree of initiative and self- management
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, including setting annual schedules and managing contract deliverables,
- High-level computer literacy (MS Word and Excel)
B. DESIRABLE
- Experience working with or within a WHO Collaborating Centre
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE
- The position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.
ENVIRONMENT, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
The incumbent will:
- Follow safe work procedures and instructions
- Seek guidance for all new or modified work procedures
- Ensure that any hazardous conditions, near misses and injuries are reported
- Participate in meetings, training and other health and safety activities
- Use equipment in compliance with relevant guidelines, without wilful interference or misuse
- Take appropriate actions to reduce use of energy, water and supplies that adversely affect the environment (including the Nossal “carbon footprint”)
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
Nossal Institute Limited is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce free from all forms of discrimination. We actively work to remove barriers to ensure all employees enjoy full participation in the workplace and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. We adopt our diversity and inclusivity policies from the University of Melbourne, which can be viewed at https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/diversity-and-inclusion
