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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the General Programme of Work (GPW) and the European Programme of Work, which focus on health equity, preparedness, and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Head of WHO Country Office plays a crucial role in translating global health commitments into national actions. This position involves providing strategic advice to national health authorities, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and ensuring that WHO's expertise contributes effectively to national health priorities. The Head will represent WHO in high-level discussions, advocate for health as a fundamental aspect of national stability, and promote health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and preparedness efforts. This role requires a deep understanding of the socio-political and economic landscape of the country, as well as the ability to identify emerging health trends and risks. The Head will also be responsible for maintaining strategic relationships with national institutions and promoting WHO's equity agenda.

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, and civil society.
• Representing WHO in senior-level discussions and 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 promoting transparency and awareness of WHO's work.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts to strengthen WHO's capacity in the country.
• Ensuring effective communication between the Member State and WHO. 1
• Contributing to monitoring and reporting on country-level progress and challenges. 1
• Overseeing the proper functioning of the Country Office in compliance with WHO standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, health-related areas, or social sciences. A Master's degree in public health or health management is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programs. Experience within a UN organization and project management is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in building partnerships, producing results, effective communication, teamwork, and creating a motivating environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, health-related areas, or social sciences. A Master's degree in public health or health management is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programs. This experience should ideally include working within a UN organization and managing health-related projects, which would provide the candidate with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities of public health management effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have expert knowledge of English and the local language. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitating broader engagement in health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Poland will be accepted. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at PLN 316,524, 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 individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical standards in its workforce and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.