Executive Director

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 has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. It operates in 194 member states, with a workforce of over 7,000 employees across various regions. The organization focuses on addressing global health challenges, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. WHO's European Region (EURO) encompasses 53 countries and aims to improve health outcomes for over 880 million people by addressing diverse health situations and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director will lead the Regional Office's work in external relations and communications, providing high-level strategic support to senior management. This role requires a deep understanding of public health, international relations, and the political landscape affecting health systems. The incumbent will promote a culture of high performance and ethical behavior within the organization, ensuring that WHO's strategic directions are implemented effectively. The Executive Director will also build partnerships and facilitate coordination among WHO Headquarters, Regional Office, and Country Office resources to ensure optimal support for member states. This position is pivotal in overseeing communication flows and coordinating technical secretariat work for WHO governing body meetings, thereby influencing policy decisions at the highest levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Executive Director will be responsible for leading the Regional Office's initiatives in external relations and communications. Key duties include providing strategic policy and managerial advice to senior management, promoting teamwork and ethical behavior, and supporting the monitoring of WHO's Global Policy Group decisions. The incumbent will build partnerships to enhance coordination across different levels of the organization, ensuring that countries receive the best possible support. Responsibilities also include overseeing information flows with other regions and WHO Headquarters, coordinating technical secretariat work for governing body meetings, and interacting with Technical Directors to implement policy decisions. The Executive Director will perform any additional duties assigned by supervisors as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree) in public health, international relations, communications, social sciences, or business management. Essential qualifications include at least fifteen years of national and international experience in senior management roles, particularly in developing countries. Extensive writing and communication skills are required, along with experience in multi-partner health program management and leadership. Desirable qualifications include experience in political or diplomatic arenas and familiarity with WHO rules and procedures.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree) in relevant fields such as public health, international relations, communications, social sciences, or business management is essential. Additional training in public health-related issues is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to navigate complex health challenges.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in national and international settings, with a significant portion spent in senior management roles. This experience should include work in developing countries and extensive involvement in health program management and leadership. Familiarity with WHO's operations and governing bodies is highly advantageous.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French, German, and Russian is desirable, as these languages can facilitate communication in a multicultural environment and enhance the effectiveness of the Executive Director's role.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 117,953, 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's Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates may be required to undergo a background verification process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented member states. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and integrity in its workforce.