National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office for Nepal is dedicated to implementing the Country Cooperation Strategy by supporting the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) of the Government of Nepal. The organization focuses on formulating, implementing, and evaluating national health policies, strategies, and plans. WHO collaborates with the government and partners to advance universal health coverage, strengthen health systems, and address public health priorities. As Nepal progresses with federalization, WHO is committed to supporting governance and service delivery at various levels, ensuring alignment of the devolved health system with multisectoral and integrated approaches. WHO also plays a crucial role in mobilizing stakeholders for joint action on issues beyond the health sector, including noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, mental health, road safety, vaccination uptake, and disaster preparedness and response. Strengthened multisectoral coordination is essential for achieving these objectives, as health outcomes are influenced by broader determinants across sectors such as environment, education, infrastructure, finance, and governance.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position at WHO involves supporting multisectoral and inter-agency coordination at all levels of government and across various sectors, including environment, energy, transport, and urban planning. The incumbent will work to advance public health priorities, including health systems, communicable and non-communicable diseases, air pollution, vaccination, and disaster preparedness and response, in accordance with relevant WHO frameworks. The role requires facilitating collaboration with national, provincial, and local authorities during high-level engagements, strategic planning, and program implementation. The officer will also strengthen engagement with relevant government line ministries to support financial, administrative, and diplomatic processes relevant to WHO's mandate and partnerships. Effective communication and advocacy between governmental and non-governmental actors will be promoted, with a focus on enhancing the visibility and impact of public health initiatives. The officer will contribute to identifying capacity-building needs and support the design and implementation of training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives for health advocacy at national and subnational levels. Additionally, the officer will provide inputs to WHO technical focal points on strategic multisectoral partnerships and stakeholder engagement, act as a neutral broker for policy dialogue, and support the implementation of WHO activities, particularly in improving health system performance and inter-sectorial action for health and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support multisectoral and inter-agency coordination at all levels of government and across sectors to advance public health priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration with national, provincial, and local authorities during high-level engagements and program implementation.
• Strengthen engagement with relevant government line ministries to support WHO's mandate and partnerships.
• Promote effective communication and advocacy between governmental and non-governmental actors.
• Identify capacity-building needs and support training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Provide inputs to WHO technical focal points on strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Act as a neutral broker for multisectoral policy dialogue.
• Support the implementation of WHO activities, focusing on improving health system performance and inter-sectorial action.
• Collaborate on priority issues such as strengthening health systems and public health functions. 1
• Liaise with institutions and agencies for information exchange and coordination of activities. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of WHO Country Office or the Health Emergency Lead.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree (bachelor's) in social sciences, public policy, or communication. Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in social sciences, public policy, or communication. Skills required include demonstrated knowledge of WHO policies and programs, advocacy skills, ability to work with government officials and stakeholders, experience in complex international environments, and adaptability to difficult situations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in social sciences, public policy, or communication as essential qualifications. An advanced degree at the master's level or above in the same fields is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with higher academic qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in multisectoral coordination, liaison, and working with government and non-government institutions to improve health outcomes. Desirable experience includes working in UN or non-governmental organizations focused on public health emergency response, particularly in liaison and communication roles.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Nepali. Desirable: Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Nepal will be accepted. The remuneration includes an annual base salary starting at NPR 2,975,572, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Staff members receive 30 days of annual leave. Special consideration will be given to staff separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be used for screening. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees and certificates. WHO adheres to high standards of integrity and professional ethics, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in recruitment.