Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Disability

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Disability
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 over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on various health issues including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and disability.

Job Overview:
The Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Disability will lead the Department responsible for global leadership and coordination in addressing NCDs, sensory impairments, and oral health. This role involves developing normative work, technical products, and providing guidance to countries to reduce premature mortality and morbidity from these health issues. The Director will advocate for the integration of NCD prevention and control into universal health coverage (UHC) and ensure that the department's work aligns with WHO's strategic objectives. The position requires a strong focus on collaboration with Member States, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance health systems and promote effective public health policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Department in providing global leadership on NCDs, sensory functions, oral health, rehabilitation, and disability advocacy.
• Develop technical products and expertise for Member States and stakeholders to support the implementation of national and global health policies.
• Establish evidence-based policies and strategies for regional and country-level implementation.
• Serve as a scientific/technical reference among UN agencies and key players.
• Foster partnerships and consensus-building with external partners, civil society, and research institutions.
• Represent WHO in global forums to position the organization as a leader in global health.
• Ensure accountability in delivering departmental objectives through effective management of resources.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of departmental activities to ensure optimal performance.
• Provide senior-level technical advice to senior management. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced-level university degree in medicine, science, global health, epidemiology, public health, health economy, or a related field.
• A PhD in one of the aforementioned fields is desirable.
• Specialized training in non-communicable diseases is also desirable.
• Strong skills in developing public health policies and strategies at the international level.
• Excellent management skills for diverse teams and financial resources.
• Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced-level university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, global health, or public health. A PhD is preferred, along with specialized training in non-communicable diseases.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in managing significant public health or global health programs related to noncommunicable diseases, sensory impairments, oral health, and disability. Extensive experience in providing high-level advice to political leaders and managing diverse teams and resources is essential. Experience in international settings and with public-private partnerships is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate knowledge of any other UN language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese) is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 117,280, with additional benefits including 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependents, and an education grant for 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 promotes a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users.