Unit Head, Staff Health and Well-being

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 more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The Unit Head, Staff Health and Well-being (SHW) is a pivotal role within the WHO, tasked with overseeing the health and safety of all staff members across the organization. This position involves managing the Staff Health and Well-being unit, implementing strategic objectives, and preparing operational work plans. The Unit Head will monitor the implementation of health and safety policies, manage budgets and human resources, and ensure that the workforce is supported in terms of health promotion and risk management. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to design health promotion programs and monitor health risks, particularly in response to emerging disease outbreaks. The Unit Head will also be responsible for overseeing medical evacuations and emergency medical responses, ensuring that a 24/7 emergency response mechanism is in place. Additionally, the position involves advising the Director on various health-related matters and representing the organization in medical boards and committees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Staff Health and Well-being unit by implementing strategic objectives and preparing operational work plans.
• Monitor the implementation of the occupational health and safety (OHS) framework across WHO in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Design and implement health promotion programs to enhance the health and well-being of the workforce.
• Monitor health risks affecting the WHO workforce and provide guidance on protective measures.
• Foster an inclusive workplace and support necessary accommodations for staff with disabilities.
• Oversee medical evacuations and emergency medical responses, ensuring readiness for mass casualty and pandemic situations.
• Provide advice to the Director on compensation claims and pension matters.
• Represent the Director on medical boards and various committees.
• Advise on UN medical services in the context of outbreaks and epidemics. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in Medicine and a license to practice medicine from any jurisdiction. Desirable qualifications include additional certifications in occupational health, training, stress management, conflict resolution, or cross-cultural communication. Candidates should possess strong leadership and management skills, particularly in an international context, and have experience in emergency management and occupational health assessments.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in Medicine. A license to practice medicine is essential, and additional certifications in related fields are desirable. Educational qualifications must be obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in general or internal medicine, including experience in an international context. At least five years of successful experience managing medical and multidisciplinary teams is required. Experience in emergency management, occupational health assessments, and working with UN agencies or international NGOs is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in addressing the medical and psychosocial needs of humanitarian workers and managing electronic patient record systems.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of French. Desirable skills include expert knowledge of another official UN language, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, with additional benefits such as a variable post adjustment, annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO, and candidates may be assigned to various duty stations worldwide.