Junior Public Health Professional (AI Health)

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 over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. WHO is committed to achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for all, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Digital Health & AI Technical Unit within the Department of Health Systems Development (HSD) aims to leverage digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance health systems and improve health outcomes across the globe, particularly in the South-East Asia Region (SEARO).

Job Overview:
The Junior Public Health Professional (JPP) will play a crucial role in supporting the Digital Health & AI Technical Unit at WHO-SEARO. The primary objective of this position is to strengthen the responsible development, evaluation, implementation, and scale-up of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in health across the South-East Asia Region. The JPP will provide specialized technical support to Member States throughout the AI lifecycle, which includes identifying and prioritizing health-system challenges suitable for AI applications, assessing data readiness, developing and reviewing AI approaches, and validating and evaluating AI-enabled technologies. Additionally, the JPP will contribute to regional and country-level efforts on AI governance, safety, ethics, and capacity building, ensuring that advances in AI translate into safe, effective, and equitable health applications. This position requires a deep understanding of the intersection between health and technology, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including governments, health ministries, and academic institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The JPP will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing technical support to WHO-SEARO and Member States on AI-enabled solutions and strategies.
• Supporting the implementation of the Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India (SAHI), including developing the State AI Readiness Index.
• Conducting technical assessments, validations, and evaluations of AI-enabled health technologies and programs.
• Assisting Member States in assessing AI readiness, including data availability, quality, and infrastructure.
• Developing and applying AI evaluation frameworks and methodologies.
• Contributing to AI governance and responsible AI frameworks.
• Supporting the development of technical guidance, strategic plans, and policy proposals related to AI in health.
• Conducting evidence reviews and technical analyses on emerging AI technologies.
• Facilitating technical engagement with various stakeholders involved in AI development and implementation. 1
• Documenting and disseminating AI implementation experiences and best practices across the region. 1
• Undertaking other related technical activities as assigned by the Regional Adviser, Digital Health.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and statistical modeling. They should have the ability to critically assess and evaluate AI models and products, as well as a deep understanding of health data and health information systems. Strong analytical, scientific writing, and technical communication skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable recommendations for policymakers and health-system leaders. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and deliver results under tight timelines.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering, Mathematics, Computational Sciences, or a closely related technical discipline. A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field is strongly recommended, particularly with interdisciplinary education or experience at the intersection of health and technology. Additional training or certification in health law, machine learning, deep learning, health informatics, or AI evaluation would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of experience working on digital health, artificial intelligence, or machine-learning projects. This experience should include direct involvement in AI for health, particularly in the development, testing, validation, deployment, evaluation, or scale-up of AI-enabled health technologies. Desirable experience includes AI technology assessment, product development, and collaboration with governments and health ministries, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Relevant experience with UN agencies, particularly WHO, is also preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Knowledge of any South-East Asia Regional languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to nationals of South-East Asia Region Member States, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The age limit for applicants is below 35 years. The remuneration for this position is approximately US$ 63,000 per annum. Applications must be submitted through the WHO online recruitment portal, and candidates may be required to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications. WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce, encouraging women and persons with disabilities to apply. The organization adheres to strict ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.