WHO Representative Talent Pipeline

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, aiming to achieve universal health coverage and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Head of the WHO Country Office serves as the senior representative of WHO at the country level, acting as a trusted adviser and advocate for health. This position requires strategic leadership to position WHO as a leading health authority through policy dialogue, high-level advocacy, and effective negotiation. The incumbent will promote Health in All Policies and engage with government and partners to navigate complex health environments. Responsibilities include providing evidence-based guidance to Member States, translating global health standards into actionable country-led initiatives, and ensuring compliance and risk management within the office. The role also involves leading a high-performing workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, ensuring that WHO's values are upheld in all operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and advocacy to advance national health priorities and position WHO as a trusted partner in health.
• Advise governments and partners on health policy and coordinate technical cooperation aligned with country priorities.
• Convene stakeholders to build consensus on complex health issues, including emergencies.
• Mobilize resources and strengthen partnerships for sustainable health financing.
• Lead the WHO Country Office, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and compliance with WHO policies.
• Promote health priorities within the UN Country Team and ensure integration into UN country planning processes.
• Manage human, financial, and operational resources effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Foster a high-performing, diverse workforce and promote an ethical workplace culture.
• Provide strategic analysis and country intelligence to WHO senior leadership. 1
• Ensure the safety and well-being of personnel and dependents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess broad knowledge of public health and health systems, with a demonstrated ability to lead high-level advocacy and policy dialogue. Strong management skills, including strategic planning and resource management, are essential. Candidates should also have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work in diverse and politically complex environments. A commitment to continuous learning and improvement is necessary, along with the ability to recognize limitations and seek support when needed.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public health, health sciences, health systems, or a medical-related field is essential. A first university degree in health sciences, a medical degree, or a doctorate in a relevant field is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive international experience in health-related fields, including at least two years of relevant country-level experience. Experience working across multiple countries or regions, particularly in health systems strengthening, is desirable. Proven experience in managing budgets and mobilizing resources is also required, along with experience in humanitarian health response in emergency settings.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential. A working knowledge of another official WHO language is desirable, depending on the duty station and region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment with a minimum expected availability of five years. Candidates must submit a covering letter with their application. Successful candidates will be added to a roster for future vacancies. The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165, with additional benefits including annual leave, allowances for dependents, and an education grant for children. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.