WHO Scientist

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. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization focuses on a wide range of health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, and health promotion, aiming to ensure that everyone can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Scientist within the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) is pivotal in advancing health initiatives globally. The role involves engaging with partner organizations to harmonize policies and programs, ensuring the implementation of WHO guidance related to cardiometabolic nutrition (CMN). The incumbent will collaborate with WHO Regional Advisors to provide scientific, technical, and policy advice to Member States, focusing on improving CMN through screening and lifestyle interventions. This position requires coordination with stakeholders to develop scientific guidance and tools for assessing and implementing national policies aimed at enhancing CMN. The role also includes creating advocacy materials and training curricula to improve the quality and coverage of nutrition actions globally. The WHO Scientist will be responsible for timely reporting on CMN policy adoption and program implementation, as well as supporting capacity-building initiatives within health systems. Overall, this position is essential for driving effective nutrition and food safety actions to address global health challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with partner organizations to harmonize policies and programs, ensuring full support and implementation of WHO guidance related to cardiometabolic nutrition (CMN).
• Collaborate with WHO Regional Advisors to provide scientific, technical, and policy advice to Member States for establishing policies and programs aimed at improving CMN through screening and lifestyle interventions.
• Coordinate the development of scientific guidance and tools for assessing, monitoring, and implementing national intersectoral and inter-programmatic policies, plans, and programs to enhance CMN.
• Develop advocacy materials, training curricula, and other implementation tools to increase the coverage and quality of nutrition actions for CMN interventions globally.
• Ensure timely periodic reporting to Senior Management, UN Partners, and Member States on CMN policy adoption, program implementation, and obesity rates.
• Collaborate with the community of practice to create a peer-to-peer network for discussing implementation issues.
• Support the development of capacity-building initiatives in health systems to deliver specific management services, including WHO Academy Courses and training for primary care physicians.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced level university degree (Master's level) in nutrition, internal medicine, public health, epidemiology, or a related field relevant to the functions of the position. Desirable qualifications include additional postgraduate training in public health or public policies. Candidates must have at least 7 years of experience in public health nutrition, epidemiology, or medical practice, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases, including at least 4 years of relevant exposure at the international level. A proven record of developing scientific documents and policy briefs within the scope of this position is essential. Desirable experience includes evaluating and translating science into policymaking and previous experience at the country level in policy and strategy development. Working experience in WHO or other UN agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (Master's level) in nutrition, internal medicine, public health, epidemiology, or a related field relevant to the functions of the position. Additional postgraduate training in public health or public policies is desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in public health nutrition, epidemiology, or medical practice, with a specific focus on noncommunicable diseases. Out of these 7 years, at least 4 years must involve relevant exposure at the international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing scientific documents and policy briefs that align with the responsibilities of this position. Desirable experience includes evaluating and translating scientific findings into actionable policies and strategies, as well as previous involvement in policy and strategy development at the country level. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies is also advantageous.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English, which is required for effective communication and documentation. Desirable language skills include intermediate knowledge of French, which can facilitate collaboration in multilingual environments and enhance communication with French-speaking stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additionally, a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Geneva is provided, currently amounting to USD 6043 per month. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process, and WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.