Team Lead, Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN)
Organizational Context
The Department of Digital, Data, Analytics and AI (DDA) at WHO aims to modernize and strengthen health systems globally by leveraging digital technologies, AI, and data analytics. It establishes governance, standards, and capacities for countries to generate and use high-quality health data and digital solutions. The department champions interoperable digital health architectures and the ethical adoption of AI, driving progress towards Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
Job Purpose
This role serves as the managerial and strategic lead for the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) trust architecture. The incumbent will oversee governance, financial mechanisms, and consensus-building among Member States and partners. Responsibilities include leading the GDHCN Scientific Advisory Group, developing standard operating procedures, and ensuring the technical and operational robustness of the GDHCN infrastructure. The role also involves developing strategies for financial sustainability, engaging in resource mobilization, and fostering strategic partnerships to scale GDHCN-aligned solutions globally, ultimately enhancing health systems and improving health outcomes.
Responsibilities
Lead the GDHCN trust architecture, overseeing governance, financial, and consensus mechanisms. Manage the GDHCN Scientific Advisory Group, coordinating expert reviews and policy decisions. Design and update SOPs, minimum datasets, policies, and operating rules for GDHCN use cases. Oversee the design, validation, and maintenance of GDHCN infrastructure, ensuring alignment with international interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, IPS, PKI). Ensure technical and operational robustness, including federation models and cybersecurity. Collaborate with partners for interoperability with digital health wallets and EHRs. Develop and oversee strategies for long-term financial sustainability and context-appropriate business models. Engage in resource mobilization and donor coordination. Build political and institutional buy-in among Member States and organizations. Facilitate partnerships with health authorities, technology providers, and standards organizations. Serve as a technical liaison across WHO departments. Ensure scientific credibility and data protection principles. Monitor GDHCN performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Work Experience
Requires at least 10 years of experience in digital health or digital public infrastructure, with a minimum of 5 years focused on low- and middle-income countries and global interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, IPS). Demonstrated leadership in managing complex digital health systems, trust frameworks, and multi-stakeholder governance is essential. Experience in strategic planning, policy development, resource mobilization, financial sustainability models, and engagement with ministries of health and international agencies is required. Experience with national/regional trust frameworks, digital verification systems, and open-source digital health tools is highly valued.
Skills
Expertise in digital trust frameworks and governance, including federated network design and policy development for complex digital infrastructure. Strong knowledge of global interoperability standards (HL7 FHIR, IPS, SNOMED, W3C Verifiable Credentials) and enterprise architecture. Ability to navigate national and international regulatory environments for health data governance and cybersecurity. Skills in managing mission-critical digital systems, sustainability planning, and stakeholder engagement. Scientific rigor, strategic leadership, and effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.