Technical Officer - WHO Collaborating Centres

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 aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on the most vulnerable populations and addressing global health challenges through science and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position within the WHO Collaborating Centres is designed to provide essential technical and program management support to the Global Focal Point for WHO Collaborating Centres. This role involves coordinating and monitoring various corporate initiatives related to the WHO Collaborating Centre network. The officer will be responsible for strengthening networks across technical programs, regional offices, and external institutions, thereby fostering collaboration and promoting alignment with WHO's strategic objectives. The position also entails contributing to innovative partnership approaches, planning and evaluating global and regional meetings, and preparing technical reports and knowledge products for stakeholders. The officer will ensure compliance with governance requirements and recommend improvements to governance processes and digital platforms to enhance the effectiveness of WHO Collaborating Centre networks. Additionally, the role includes leading the collection and analysis of contributions to WHO's Global Programme of Work 14 (GPW14) objectives and supporting evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and program management support to the Global Focal Point for WHO Collaborating Centres, including coordination, monitoring, and implementation of corporate initiatives related to the WHO Collaborating Centre network.
• Coordinate and strengthen networks of WHO Collaborating Centres across technical programs, regional offices, and external institutions, fostering collaboration and promoting alignment with WHO priorities and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of innovative partnership approaches for WHO Collaborating Centres, including regional and thematic networks, twinning arrangements, and other models to enhance technical collaboration and capacity strengthening.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate global and regional meetings, consultations, and forums involving WHO Collaborating Centres, ensuring effective communication, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and follow-up actions.
• Analyze, synthesize, and disseminate information relating to WHO Collaborating Centres and prepare technical reports, briefing notes, presentations, workplans, monitoring frameworks, training materials, and other knowledge products for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance for the designation, redesignation, and monitoring of WHO Collaborating Centres, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Identify, analyze, and recommend improvements to governance processes, digital platforms, monitoring systems, and knowledge-management approaches to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic alignment of WHO Collaborating Centre networks.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of WHO Collaborating Centre contributions to GPW14 objectives and prepare annual analytical reports to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
• Contribute to the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of governing bodies' resolutions, decisions, and strategic initiatives relevant to the Department of Science for Health, including coordination with internal and external stakeholders. 1
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first-level university degree in public health, political science, social sciences, international relations, communications, public administration, organizational management, management studies, business administration, or another relevant field. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree in one of the aforementioned fields. Candidates should possess excellent coordination skills, the ability to analyze complex information, prepare high-quality technical and strategic materials, manage workplans, and identify practical solutions to strengthen program delivery and institutional collaboration.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as public health, political science, social sciences, international relations, communications, public administration, organizational management, management studies, or business administration. An advanced university degree in one of these fields is desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in program management, governance, partnership coordination, institutional networking, stakeholder engagement, external relations, or implementation of international health initiatives. Experience in an international or multilateral environment is essential. Desirable experience includes coordination of global or regional events, consultations, or networks at WHO or with other international partners, as well as knowledge of WHO policies, procedures, and governance processes.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it would facilitate communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 71,335, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO 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 per WHO requirements before undertaking a WHO assignment. The organization promotes a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco.