Head of WHO Country Office

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 a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. WHO's work is guided by the General Programme of Work (GPW) and the European Programme of Work, which aim to accelerate progress toward Health for All by strengthening health systems and reducing health inequalities.

Job Overview:
The Head of WHO Country Office plays a pivotal role in translating global health commitments into national action. This position involves providing strategic advice to national authorities, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and ensuring that WHO's knowledge and standards effectively contribute to national health priorities. The Head will act as a trusted advisor to the Ministry of Health and other national counterparts, facilitating dialogue and promoting multisectoral approaches to health. The role also includes representing WHO in high-level discussions, advocating for health as a fundamental aspect of national stability and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and enabling access to WHO's technical expertise to support evidence-informed policy-making and health system transformation. Additionally, the Head will promote health security and preparedness, identify emerging trends and risks, and maintain strategic relationships with national institutions and organizations to support informed debate and transparency regarding WHO's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of WHO Country Office will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Providing strategic advice to national authorities through the development and implementation of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) and/or the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS).
• Acting as a trusted advisor and impartial convenor to foster dialogue between the Ministry of Health, government sectors, development partners, civil society, and WHO.
• Representing WHO in senior-level government discussions and UN coordination mechanisms, advocating for health as essential to national stability.
• Connecting national stakeholders with WHO's technical expertise to support evidence-informed policy-making.
• Promoting health security and preparedness efforts, ensuring coordination on cross-border health threats.
• Identifying emerging trends and advising national counterparts on their implications.
• Maintaining strategic relationships with national institutions and organizations to support transparency and awareness of WHO's work.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts to strengthen WHO's capacity to deliver its core functions.
• Ensuring effective communication between the Member State and WHO, providing timely updates on country developments. 1
• Contributing to monitoring and reporting to strengthen WHO's situational awareness and accountability. 1
• Overseeing the proper functioning of the Country Office in compliance with WHO standards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in medicine, health-related areas, or social sciences as essential qualifications. A Master's degree in public health and/or health management is desirable. Candidates must possess sound knowledge of the socio-political, economic, and health situation in the country, along with WHO competencies such as building partnerships, producing results, and effective communication. The ability to work in a changing environment and create a motivating atmosphere is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in medicine, health-related areas, or social sciences. A Master's degree in public health and/or health management is considered an asset and is desirable for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programs. Experience within a UN organization and project management is desirable, providing a strong foundation for the responsibilities of this role.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and the local language. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Romania will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at RON 369,222, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before undertaking a WHO assignment. The WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.