Project Manager for Multi-Country Pandemic Fund

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates globally, focusing on health issues that affect populations worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Pandemic Fund, launched in 2023, aims to support countries in strengthening their pandemic preparedness and response systems, reflecting WHO's commitment to global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for the Multi-Country Pandemic Fund will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective, timely, and compliant implementation of a significant multi-country project aimed at enhancing pandemic preparedness and response systems across the Western Pacific Region. This position involves high-level project management, coordination, and operational support to facilitate the successful execution of the project, which encompasses twelve countries. The project, titled 'Data to Action: Stronger Western Pacific Pandemic Preparedness & Response Systems,' aims to build smarter and more inclusive systems for pandemic prevention and response. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing project milestones, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with WHO's guidelines and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Overall coordination of the multi-country project, ensuring alignment with approved workplans and timelines.
• Establishing and maintaining project management systems, including centralized documentation and tracking tools.
• Planning and coordinating key project milestones, such as kick-off meetings and regular coordination sessions with participating countries and implementing entities.
• Monitoring implementation progress, identifying risks and bottlenecks, and escalating issues as necessary.
• Providing technical guidance on the monitoring of the Pandemic Fund portfolio, including oversight of multi-country and single-country grants.
• Facilitating information flow and coordination across WHO Country Offices and external partners.
• Tracking implementation progress and financial performance across grants, supporting routine reporting to the Pandemic Fund Secretariat.
• Ensuring quality assurance of technical and financial documentation required for reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, social science, or a related field from a recognized institution. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of experience in project management or budget management at both national and international levels, particularly in public health or emergency management. Desirable qualifications include previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies, as well as familiarity with Pandemic Fund projects and management of awards. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, organizational abilities, and experience in managing large-scale multi-country projects.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, social science, or a related area. Additional professional training or specialization in business administration or public health emergency management is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to manage complex projects effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is essential for this role. Candidates should have a proven track record in project management or budget management, particularly in the context of public health and emergency response. Experience with WHO or other UN agencies is advantageous, as is familiarity with managing international stakeholders and large-scale projects.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for 11 months, from September 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, with a remuneration of USD 8,000 per month. The role will require onsite presence in Manila, Philippines, with potential travel to other countries in the region for project management support. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking the assignment.