Director of Access to Medicines and Health Products

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Director of Access to Medicines and Health Products
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. The organization operates in 194 member states and has a workforce of over 7,000 employees across various countries, focusing on global health issues and providing leadership on international public health responses.

Job Overview:
The Director of Access to Medicines and Health Products will play a crucial role in ensuring that affordable, quality-assured health technologies are accessible to all citizens. This position is part of the Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IET) Department, which aims to enhance collaboration with Member States and international stakeholders. The incumbent will be responsible for developing policies and best practices, strengthening capacity, and establishing sustainable mechanisms to improve access to medicines and health products. The role involves fostering synergies with complementary programs within WHO and with other international agencies to achieve a coordinated approach to health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, particularly in the face of pandemics and ongoing health priorities. The Director will lead the development of evidence-based policies and strategies, provide technical advice to management, and represent the department in global health forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will ensure effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department, managing a diverse workforce to optimize financial resources and deliverables. Key responsibilities include leading the development of evidence-based policies for Regional and Country Office implementation, managing monitoring and evaluation of key performance indicators, and building partnerships with external stakeholders. The Director will also ensure effective resource mobilization and management of human and financial resources for programs under their supervision. Additional duties include serving as a scientific reference among UN Agencies, representing the department in global forums, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, health technology, or related health or social sciences. A PhD in public health, health policy, health economics, or industrial policy is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least 15 years of professional experience in management and ensuring access to medicines and health products, along with experience in providing senior-level advice to decision-makers and managing resources. Strong experience in health product development and industrial policies, particularly in the public or private sector, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, or health technology. A PhD in public health or related disciplines is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in management and ensuring access to medicines and health products. This experience should encompass product development, health policy, and public health at both national and international levels. The role requires a proven track record of providing senior-level advice and guidance to management, as well as experience in developing and establishing policies and strategies.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French and other UN languages is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 106,023, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment based on 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. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and candidates must adhere to high ethical standards. Mobility is a condition of employment, and candidates may be assigned to any duty station worldwide. Vaccination against certain diseases is required for employment, and candidates must provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process.