Technical Officer, Climate-Resilient Sustainable Food Systems

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 focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and addressing health emergencies. The Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (ACE) is one of its regional offices, dedicated to addressing environmental health challenges and climate change impacts on health.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position focuses on sustainable food systems, environmental health, and public health. The role involves providing technical input to the work program, conducting research and analysis on food systems and climate-related public health topics, and drafting policy documents and strategies. The officer will monitor work plans and budgets, conduct data analysis, and participate in capacity-building activities. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen public health policies and systems related to sustainable diets and food systems transformation. The officer will also serve as a technical resource and contribute to the development of partnerships to advance initiatives in food systems, environment, and health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical input to the work programme in sustainable food systems, environment, and health.
• Conduct research and analysis on food systems, environmental health, and dietary patterns.
• Draft and review technical guidance and policy documents.
• Monitor workplans and budgets, including donor-funded activities.
• Conduct data analysis and synthesize evidence on best practices.
• Participate in capacity-building activities related to food systems and public health.
• Analyze and evaluate programme implementation and contribute to technical reports.
• Support stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
• Serve as a technical resource on food systems, environment, and health. 1
• Develop and manage partnerships with various stakeholders. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree (Bachelor’s level or above) in public health, environmental health, nutrition, food systems, or a related field. Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in the same fields. WHO considers only higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the Bachelor’s level or above in relevant fields such as public health, environmental health, nutrition, or food systems. An advanced degree (Master’s or higher) is desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile. Educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the WHED.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health programmes related to food systems and environmental health. Experience in developing policies, strategies, or programmes that promote health is essential. Demonstrated experience in an international and multidisciplinary environment is also required. Desirable experience includes working at the country level and relevant experience with UN agencies or international organizations.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 71,335, with additional benefits such as 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 may involve geographical mobility. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of personal characteristics, and WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The organization has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.