Team Lead (Global Respiratory Threats)
Organizational Context
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme aims to safeguard global health security by strengthening national capacities for preventing, preparing for, detecting, and responding to health emergencies. It focuses on building resilient health systems, reinforcing International Health Regulations, advancing surveillance, and ensuring equitable access to countermeasures. The Epidemic and Pandemic Management unit specifically enhances global health security and mitigates pandemic impacts through strategic leadership and partnerships.
Job Purpose
This role provides technical leadership and managerial support within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, focusing on the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) aspects of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework. The purpose is to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the PIP Framework and to develop strategies for its synergistic integration with the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The role contributes to strengthening global pandemic influenza preparedness and response by managing programme activities, financial resources, and fostering collaboration across WHO levels and with external partners, ultimately optimizing programme deliverables and ensuring equitable access to essential countermeasures during pandemics.
Responsibilities
Provide technical and managerial leadership for access and benefit-sharing (ABS) within the PIP Framework. Develop and propose policies and strategies for the synergistic implementation of the PIP Framework and the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Advise WHO teams and offices on the development and implementation of the PIP Framework to enhance technical capacity globally. Manage the programme area, including the PIP Framework Secretariat, financial resources, and work planning across all WHO levels. Lead research on best practices and disseminate information for capacity building. Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the programme area. Serve as a technical reference point for peers, UN agencies, and stakeholders. Liaise with UN agencies, donors, and research institutions to integrate ABS policies into public health strategies. Represent the programme area in meetings to advocate for PIP Framework implementation. Oversee the conclusion of advance supply agreements for vaccines, antivirals, and diagnostics. Manage the collection and utilization of Partnership Contribution funds from influenza product manufacturers. Provide strategic guidance on operationalizing PIP benefit-sharing tools and benefits for Member States. Convene and manage the PIP Advisory Group. Ensure transparent reporting to WHO governing bodies and Member States.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional legal experience, including providing legal, policy, or regulatory advice in an international context. Demonstrated experience with private sector engagement, including drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Proven experience in dispute resolution. Experience managing human and financial resources in multicultural environments. International experience with private sector manufacturers, counsel, Member States, and multilateral stakeholders. Desirable: Experience in financial/business administration or global health/pandemic preparedness.
Skills
Knowledge and skills in planning and coordinating multilateral public health instruments. Strong policy and strategy development/implementation skills. Excellent team and financial resource management abilities. Resource mobilization skills. Effective and diplomatic communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders. Commitment to collaboration. Understanding of different organizational clusters and functional areas. Ability to produce results. Capacity to integrate legal, scientific, policy, financial, and operational considerations. Ability to interpret and apply international legal frameworks and ABS principles.