Technical Officer (medicines And Health Products Policies And Standards)

Organizational Context

The Department of Medicines and Health Products Policies and Standards (HPS) at WHO supports Member States in improving access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable medicines and health products. It aligns with WHO's General Programme of Work and the goal of Universal Health Coverage, fostering global, regional, and country-level action through stakeholder engagement. The department develops and implements policies and standards to enhance access and improve public health outcomes.

Job Purpose

This role provides crucial technical and executive support to HPS leadership and senior WHO management. The primary purpose is to contribute to the development and implementation of policies and standards that enhance access to essential medicines and health products, thereby improving public health outcomes. This involves preparing policy briefs, normative guidance, and analytical materials on cross-cutting issues related to health product access and pharmaceutical ecosystem governance. The role also coordinates strategic frameworks and organization-wide documents, ensuring alignment with WHO priorities and facilitating effective action across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and executive support to HPS leadership and senior management by preparing policy briefs, normative guidance, technical documents, talking points, and analytical materials on access to health products and pharmaceutical ecosystem governance. Coordinate the development, revision, and implementation of departmental and organization-wide strategic documents, including research and analysis. Lead coordination and communication across WHO's three levels, monitoring developments in health product access and contributing to organizational strategies. Analyze and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental initiatives and policies, recommending adaptations. Facilitate project management, consultations, and working groups with internal and external partners. Support WHO governance processes, including engagement with non-State actors and coordination of FENSA-related activities. Serve as a point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring policy coherence and coordinated actions. Stay updated on access to medicines and health products, responding to complex requests by synthesizing information.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of professional experience in developing policies and strategies, and/or project management related to access to medicines and health products is required. Experience in managing complex projects, working with diverse stakeholders, and exposure to WHO or UN system organizations and international settings are also essential. Experience supporting management decision-making in this area is desirable.

Skills

Understanding of WHO policies, UN system, and general managerial practices. Ability to establish collaborative and effective relationships. Up-to-date knowledge of access to medicines and health products. High-level organizational skills. Effective oral and written communication, including report drafting and editing. Ability to work independently and manage complex schedules and multiple projects. Sound judgment and discretion. Ability to anticipate risks and problems. Strong project management and presentation development skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Integrity, tact, and discretion. High level of judgment, responsibility, and initiative. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Moving forward in a changing environment, Building and promoting partnerships.

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