Health Systems Officer – AI for Health

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 its commitment to achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations. The WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and various stakeholders to implement national health policies and improve health services.

Job Overview:
The Health Systems Officer – AI for Health will play a crucial role in leading the technical work on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation aimed at strengthening health systems in India. This position is pivotal in translating the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) into actionable plans that align with the country's health priorities. The officer will coordinate with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other stakeholders to ensure the effective integration of AI technologies into health systems, enhancing service delivery, public health intelligence, and overall health management. The role requires a deep understanding of AI applications in healthcare and the ability to navigate the complexities of India's health system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading the implementation of WHO India's program of work for technical support to the government regarding the operationalization of SAHI.
• Collaborating with the National Health Authority and other government counterparts to identify strategic opportunities for applying AI in health care.
• Advising WHO leadership and government counterparts on emerging AI trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Providing technical advice on AI policy, governance, and implementation to national and state governments.
• Supporting the development of frameworks, guidelines, and operational plans for AI adoption in health.
• Working on governance mechanisms for responsible AI in health, including ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks.
• Supporting the adoption of systematic evaluation frameworks for AI-enabled solutions across various health domains.
• Coordinating engagement with various stakeholders, including government ministries, academic institutions, and civil society.
• Designing and implementing training programs on AI in health and developing technical guidance and knowledge products. 1
• Monitoring developments in AI technologies and supporting operational research and evaluation studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or above) in public health, health policy, health informatics, or a related field. A qualification in computing or artificial intelligence, particularly specializing in generative AI, is desirable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of AI governance and ethics, health data governance frameworks, and the ability to assess opportunities and risks for AI adoption within health systems. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to foster teamwork, and respect for individual and cultural differences.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is an advanced degree (Master’s or above) in public health, health policy, health informatics, or a related field. A desirable qualification includes a specialization in computing or artificial intelligence, particularly in generative AI. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions, and candidates are encouraged to verify their qualifications through the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 2 years of experience working within India’s health system and familiarity with AI applications in healthcare. Desirable experience includes a demonstrated understanding of India’s digital health architecture, health program delivery mechanisms, and experience in stakeholder coordination, policy analysis, and technical writing for government audiences. Experience with health technology assessment or clinical workflow design is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi, India, and is offered through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) with a monthly remuneration of INR 218,855, taxable as per Indian laws. The appointment is extendable based on satisfactory performance and the continuing need for the function. The role may require extensive travel, potentially up to 15 days per month, to various states and districts. This position is open only to Indian nationals, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States.