Director (environment, Climate Change, One Health, Migration)

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) aims to advance health for all. Within this division, the Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration (ECO) works to reduce the global disease burden from unhealthy environments by influencing public policies with evidence and supporting vulnerable populations.

Job Purpose

This role provides senior leadership and strategic direction for the Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration (ECO) within the WHO's Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC). The purpose is to reduce the global disease burden caused by unhealthy environments by driving health-centric decisions in public policies. This involves providing scientific, technical, and policy expertise to Member States and stakeholders, ensuring the development and implementation of effective national and global programs. The role also focuses on managing departmental resources, fostering collaboration across WHO levels, and positioning the department as a leader in its field through evidence-based strategies and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and operationalization of the department's vision, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and driving measurable results through performance management. Provide scientific, technical, and policy expertise to Member States and stakeholders for policy and program development, implementation, and monitoring. Offer overall leadership and management for the department, including workforce and financial resource management. Facilitate collaboration across WHO departments, regional, and country offices to ensure coordinated program delivery and integrate field perspectives. Provide senior technical advice to WHO leadership. Oversee the development of evidence-based policies, strategies, and guidelines, and monitor their implementation and impact. Serve as a key reference point among UN agencies and other partners, building strong partnerships and fostering consensus. Lead resource mobilization efforts to strengthen WHO's presence and impact globally.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health or a related field, with significant senior leadership roles in strategy and program delivery, including managing complex programs, teams, and financial resources. At least 7 years of leadership experience in climate change and/or environmental health, involving program leadership, policy/strategy development, or technical advisory roles. International experience collaborating with governments and diverse partners is essential. Experience in multisectoral actions is desirable.

Skills

Advanced technical knowledge of climate change and health, environmental health, and their application to public health policy and programs. Strong capacity to develop, interpret, and apply policies, strategies, and guidance related to climate, environment, and health, including One Health and migration. Ability to translate scientific evidence into policy and public health programs. Skill in guiding complex, multidisciplinary programs. Proficiency in using data and health information systems for strategic planning and decision-making. Ability to interpret complex technical information and integrate it into high-level direction. Strong representation and communication skills for policy and intergovernmental discussions. Capacity to engage with diverse technical stakeholders.

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