Director of Regulation and Prequalification of Medicines and Health Products

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's strategic objectives include ensuring universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve its goals and improve global health outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Director of Regulation and Prequalification of Medicines and Health Products will lead the Department of Regulation and Prequalification (RPQ) within WHO. This role involves providing technical expertise to Member States and stakeholders, guiding the development and implementation of national and global health policies and programs. The Director will be responsible for managing financial resources, ensuring the department meets its objectives, and providing senior-level technical advice to WHO's Senior Management. The position requires a strategic approach to policy development, monitoring, and evaluation of the department's work, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance the impact of WHO's initiatives in the field of health products regulation. The Director will also represent WHO in global forums, advocating for the organization's leadership in health product safety and efficacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will lead the implementation of the WHO Access Road Map (2025-2030), focusing on the regulation and prequalification of health products. Responsibilities include overseeing policy development to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines, coordinating with key regulatory authorities to strengthen systems and promote harmonization, and providing strategic guidance for capacity-building in Member States. The Director will monitor and evaluate program performance, engage with high-level representatives from host countries and donors, and support resource mobilization efforts aligned with WHO's strategic priorities. Additionally, the Director will champion collective action through coordinated initiatives and knowledge sharing, ensuring that the department's work aligns with WHO's core mandates and global health goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, pharmacy, or a health-related science, along with a post-graduate degree in public health or a relevant social science field. A PhD in a related field is desirable, as well as specialized training in regulatory affairs or pharmaceutical sciences. Certification in project management or health administration is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in policy development and management of diverse teams and financial resources, with a proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, pharmacy, or health-related sciences. A post-graduate degree in public health or a related social science is essential, while a PhD in one of these fields is considered desirable. Specialized training in regulatory affairs or pharmaceutical sciences, as well as certification in project management or health administration, will enhance a candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in managing Regulation and Prequalification of Medicines and Health Products programs. This includes providing senior-level advice to decision-makers, managing human and financial resources, and developing policies and strategies. Experience at the international level is essential, with at least five years in managing regulatory functions and access to medicines policies. Familiarity with high-level government agencies and funding partners is also important, as is experience with international expert groups and advocacy efforts.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French and other UN languages is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with a diverse range of stakeholders and enhance collaboration within the international health community.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 130,477, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Geneva. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. 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 part of the recruitment process, and WHO maintains a smoke-free environment.