Operations Officer

Operations Officer

World Health Organization (WHO)

November 2, 2026December 3, 2026BissauGuinea Bissau
Job Description
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's Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies and outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Operations Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the WHO Health Emergencies Programme by ensuring effective management of resources and operations during health emergencies. The incumbent will be responsible for adapting and implementing procedures for the administration, monitoring, control, and evaluation of human, financial, and material resources. This position requires a proactive approach to support emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities, ensuring compliance with WHO rules and standard operating procedures. The Operations Officer will also provide administrative support for emergency operations, manage human resources services, and oversee procurement processes to ensure the availability of necessary supplies and services. The role demands excellent organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to WHO's mission of health for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Adapt and implement procedures for the administration, monitoring, control, and evaluation of human, financial, and material resources processes in compliance with existing policies and SOPs.
  • Support the formulation of budgetary estimates for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities; manage funding allocations and awards; track and report on financing against budget; and ensure compliance with WHO rules and emergency SOPs.
  • Provide administrative support for emergency operations, including initiating proposals for planned activities, following up on donor proposals, and ensuring timely payments.
  • Deliver human resources services, including forecasting needs, facilitating rapid deployment of staff, recruitment, medical clearance, travel arrangements, and performance evaluations.
  • Manage procurement of services and supplies for incident management, track inventory, and coordinate with logistics and HR.
  • Liaise with the United Nations Department of Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security to ensure staff safety and compliance with security standards.
  • Manage IT support services as required.
  • Consolidate responses to audit reports and follow up on outstanding recommendations.
  • Perform any other duties as required by the functional supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first university degree in public or business administration, public health, finance, accounting, human resources management, or other social studies from an accredited institution. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree in public health, business, or public administration. Candidates must possess thorough knowledge of administrative and management principles and practices, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Strong leadership skills and the ability to coach and motivate staff are essential, along with skills in program formulation and research development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a first university degree in relevant fields such as public or business administration, public health, finance, accounting, or human resources management. An advanced degree in public health, business, or public administration is desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant experience is required, combining national and international levels in management and administration, including staff supervision. Experience in supporting emergency or health outbreak operations is essential. Desirable experience includes working in developing countries and prior humanitarian experience at the field level with WHO, other UN agencies, health cluster partners, or recognized humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Portuguese is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable and would be an asset in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 56,046 annually, 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 must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments. The organization has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.
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