10 The Global Staff/Management Council (GSMC) provides a WHO-wide mechanism for staff/management consultations pursuant to Article VIII of the Staff Regulations and Section 9 of the Staff Rules. Its role is to examine issues relating to personnel policy and conditions of service, and to adopt reports that include recommendations to the Director-General on such issues.
20 GSMC may provide advice and make recommendations to the Director-General on issues of WHO-wide importance:
- for which the Director-General is the ultimate authority in accordance with the Constitution of WHO and relevant decisions of the World Health Assembly; or
- that cannot be decided by the Director-General without reference to inter-governmental or similar outside bodies, such as the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).
30 The Terms of Reference of the GSMC are contained in III.20 Annex 9.A.
Staff/Management meetings
40 The GSMC brings an integrated perspective to important global issues affecting the staff of the Organization as a whole and allows for an airing of views on common system issues among all administrations and staff associations. It normally meets once a year; exceptionally, an extraordinary meeting of the GSMC may be held by agreement of both parties. The venue is rotational among major offices.
50 The existence of GSMC does not preclude local joint staff-management machinery from considering issues with WHO-wide implications, it being understood that such issues will be referred to GSMC for consideration.
60 Consultative processes have been established at headquarters and most regional offices. At headquarters, representatives of Human Resources and representatives of the Staff Committee meet at least once a month to discuss, resolve or refer, as appropriate, matters pertaining to conditions of service, staff development, social and cultural activities and other matters. Director, HRT reports periodically to the Director-General on the same questions and on staff relations generally. Discussions during formal meetings of staff and management representatives are recorded in minutes which are signed by both parties.
70 When required, working groups may be set up to advise on specific problems or carry out specific tasks.
80 In accordance with Staff Rule 930, the Organization may give financial assistance to staff associations. Requests for assistance are approved by Chef de Cabinet for the Headquarters Staff Association and by regional directors for regional staff associations within financial limits set by headquarters.
90 The Staff Committee may solicit prizes, contributions or gifts of value from persons or firms outside WHO only with the agreement of Chef de Cabinet. Social staff clubs or groups should also obtain this agreement through the Staff Committee.
