WHO Regional Adviser, Health Workforce & Service Delivery

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, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Regional Adviser for Health Workforce and Service Delivery is pivotal in ensuring strategic leadership and capacity within the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The role focuses on advising European Member States on strengthening their health systems, particularly in relation to human resources for health and service delivery. The adviser will lead the development and implementation of regional strategies and policies that enhance health workforce capabilities and service delivery models. This includes providing expert technical leadership on workforce planning, education, training, and integrated service delivery models. The adviser will also oversee the implementation of regional priorities, ensuring alignment with WHO standards and policies, and will be responsible for generating and disseminating evidence to inform decision-making in health systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WHO Regional Adviser include:

• Providing strategic and technical advice to Member States on health workforce and service delivery policies.
• Leading the development and implementation of regional strategies and frameworks to strengthen health systems.
• Offering expert guidance on workforce planning, education, training, and retention of health workers.
• Supporting Member States in designing and evaluating health workforce policies and strategies.
• Overseeing the implementation and monitoring of regional health workforce priorities.
• Generating and analyzing evidence on health workforce and service delivery to inform policy decisions.
• Developing authoritative technical publications and advocacy materials.
• Representing WHO/Europe and building partnerships with various stakeholders.
• Managing program planning and performance, including resource mobilization. 1
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• An advanced university degree (Masters) in health systems management, medicine, nursing, public health, social sciences, or related fields.
• A doctorate in health systems, public health, health policy, political science, or health economics is desirable.
• At least 10 years of combined national and international experience in health systems, with specific expertise in health workforce and service delivery.
• Experience in senior leadership roles within public administration or international institutions.
• Proven experience in advising on health systems and workforce policy issues, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries.
• A strong background in health systems analysis, planning, management, and research.
• A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals on relevant topics.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in health systems management, medicine, nursing, public health, social sciences, or related subjects. A doctorate in relevant fields such as health systems, public health, health policy, political science, or health economics is considered desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of combined national and international working experience in health systems, with a focus on health workforce and service delivery. This includes experience in senior leadership positions within public administration or relevant international institutions. Experience advising on policy issues related to health systems in lower- and middle-income countries is essential, as is a background in health systems analysis, planning, management, and research. Additionally, candidates should have significant experience in project and program management, including mobilization of human and financial resources.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the European Region, would be considered an asset and could enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 103,165, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Copenhagen. Benefits include 30 days of 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 should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging 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.