Team Lead, Global Respiratory Threats

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 Health Emergencies Programme aims to strengthen the capacity of countries to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to health emergencies, ensuring global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Team Lead for Global Respiratory Threats will play a crucial role in the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, focusing on enhancing global health security and mitigating the impact of epidemics and pandemics. This position requires strategic leadership and the ability to develop evidence-driven strategies and guidance. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including Member States and private sector partners, to ensure effective implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework. The role involves managing the PIP Framework Secretariat, overseeing financial resources, and ensuring that pandemic preparedness remains a priority in public health considerations. The Team Lead will also be responsible for conducting research, managing monitoring and evaluation processes, and representing the program at various meetings to advocate for the implementation of the PIP Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Team Lead include providing technical leadership and managerial support within the Department, developing policies and strategies for the implementation of the PIP Framework, collaborating with various teams to enhance technical capacity, managing the PIP Framework Secretariat, leading research on best practices, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of program deliverables. Specific duties also include overseeing advance supply agreements for vaccines and diagnostics, managing the collection of Partnership Contributions from manufacturers, guiding the operationalization of benefit-sharing tools, convening the PIP Advisory Group, and ensuring transparent reporting to WHO Governing Bodies and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in law and be certified to practice law. Desirable qualifications include a degree in finance, business administration, or public health. Essential experience includes a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, particularly in international contexts, and demonstrated experience in engaging with the private sector. Proven skills in dispute resolution and managing resources in multicultural environments are also required. Desirable experience includes knowledge of financial administration related to fund management and global health frameworks.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s level) in law is essential, along with certification to practice law. A university degree in finance, business administration, or public health is desirable, providing a strong foundation for the legal and regulatory aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, particularly in providing legal, policy, or regulatory advice in international settings. Candidates should have experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements and managing human and financial resources in diverse environments. International experience with private-sector manufacturers and multilateral stakeholders is essential, while experience in global health and pandemic preparedness is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as well as familiarity with other UN languages, which would be beneficial in a multilingual work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment, annual leave, allowances for dependents, and an education grant for children. The role is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and may involve mobility to different duty stations. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.