Jordan Country Office staff, 2022Driven by the motivation to break down silos, realign communication and ensure that all staff feel heard and secure, the WHO Country Office in Jordan is piloting the Region’s first country transformation team.
Heralding this new era of change, Dr Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative in Jordan, stresses the urgent need for recognizing communication gaps and challenges. And so after the reinstitution of the Regional Transformation Team, Jordan’s Country Office has stepped up to put transformation into action at the country level. Volunteers from all units, both national and international staff, and of all ages and genders, came forward to vouch for change. To achieve the Ministry of Health’s goals and to make positive impacts on the health of Jordan’s population, the Country Office took note of work fragmentation and developed their own road map for change.
The volunteers are the champions of change
Internalizing Vision 2023: health for all by all required central action, particularly for opening up a pathway for dialogue between staff and their supervisors in the Country Office. A consultant on teambuilding and communication was invited to hear staff concerns, expectations and needs. The team retreat in June 2022 also resulted in more transparent communication among staff, with the help of the consultant. As the understanding of staff grew, so did their confidence, performance and motivation. Dr Al-Raiby acknowledges the difficulties of change, stating that the focus on communication was centred primarily on those needing support throughout the transitions.
Smiling makes all the difference in the work environment
Dr Jamela Al-Raiby underlines the importance of incorporating the respectful workplace initiatives of PRSEAH, DEI and PAAC in the Office’s day-to-day work. She adds that the need for their thorough translation into practical action should be communicated among teams.
Upholding WHO values within the context of a respectful workplace was prioritized in the regional transformation road map as the first action point for WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. By embodying WHO values, and with the support of team members, Dr Al-Raiby believes the Country Office will remain on the right track. The overall objective for the country transformation team is to empower and motivate staff, while improving professionalism to better respond to country needs. As staff willingness for change is evident, Dr Jamela Al-Raiby believes that WHO’s connection with the community it serves will deepen.
