WHO Regional Adviser Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity

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 achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, health systems, and health promotion.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Regional Adviser for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity is pivotal in providing strategic planning and leadership to Member States regarding the promotion of nutrition and physical activity, as well as addressing obesity. The role involves leading the coordination of technical work across the organization, ensuring that nutrition, physical activity, and obesity are integrated into the agendas of various health initiatives. The adviser will mobilize partners to promote physical activity across all settings and reduce sedentary behavior, which is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The position requires developing and implementing multi-sectoral approaches to enhance the delivery of nutrition and obesity-related activities, representing WHO Europe in relevant meetings, and guiding the development of policies and strategic directions for NCD prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing authoritative advice to Member States on policies and strategic directions regarding nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. Key duties include developing and implementing integrated approaches to strengthen the delivery of nutrition and obesity activities, representing WHO Europe in meetings with health authorities and partners, leading the coordination of technical work across various units, and developing tools and instruments for evidence-based policies. The adviser will also coordinate the uptake of WHO tools, guide the development of joint initiatives with professional societies, and manage regional partnerships to implement nutrition and obesity prevention initiatives. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and assessing the performance of the technical area and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, with a desirable advanced degree in social sciences, law, or a related field. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health programs, particularly in non-communicable diseases, nutrition, physical activity, and obesity at both national and international levels. Proven experience in implementing or advising on nutrition and physical activity promotion, as well as in supporting evidence-based control legislation and policies, is required. Desirable qualifications include relevant experience in WHO, UN organizations, international institutions, or NGOs, and proven experience in intersectoral work and resource mobilization.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in public health as essential. A desirable qualification would be an advanced degree in social sciences, law, or a field relevant to the position, which would enhance the candidate's ability to address the complexities of public health issues related to nutrition and physical activity.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health programs, particularly focusing on non-communicable diseases, nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. This experience should encompass both national and international levels, demonstrating practical experience in implementing or advising on key domains of nutrition and physical activity. Candidates should also have a proven track record in data analysis and intersectoral capacity building, which is crucial for the effective implementation of public health policies.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Additionally, intermediate knowledge of French, German, or Russian is desirable, as it would facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance collaboration across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Copenhagen. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates are advised that WHO's contracts are conditional on confirming vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment.