Unit Lead (disability And Rehabilitation)

Organizational Context

The WHO Country Office in Ukraine operates under the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS), focusing on strengthening universal health coverage and evidence-based health policies. It aligns with WHO's 13th General Programme of Work and the European Programme of Work 2020-2025, aiming to provide practical, country-focused solutions and promote health equity through collaboration with national authorities and partners.

Job Purpose

This role leads the WHO Ukraine Country Office's Rehabilitation and Disability Unit, responsible for implementing the national 5-year strategy on rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and long-term care. The purpose is to provide technical support to the Government of Ukraine in enhancing health services for individuals with impairments and disabilities. This includes improving access to general health services, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and promoting disability inclusion, while strengthening evidence-based policy and program decision-making through better data and information systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the Rehabilitation and Disability Unit, ensuring alignment with WHO's strategy and monitoring framework. Provide technical and methodological support to develop and strengthen rehabilitation services for key stakeholders. Enhance WHO's approach to specialized and non-specialized rehabilitation, including service mapping, gap identification, and maintaining information on service providers. Improve referral pathways for trauma patients and support the provision of essential equipment and assistive technology. Oversee project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and contribute to resource mobilization. Strengthen WHO's disability inclusion strategy by supporting the UN Disability Task Team and implementing new inclusion projects. Identify and communicate health response priorities, needs, and concerns, recommending coordination mechanisms and improvements. Support policy development in rehabilitation and assistive technology, and contribute to regional data on disability. Represent WHO in relevant technical meetings and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of international experience in planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating disability and rehabilitation programs is required. Practical experience in advising health institutions or NGOs on rehabilitation and assistive technology in lower- and middle-income countries is essential. Experience with WHO, UN agencies, or similar organizations, and working within the WHO European Region, is desirable.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of rehabilitation, assistive technology, disability, and community-based service development. Strong understanding of public health from national and international perspectives. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in standard office software. Emotional intelligence, including the ability to manage one's own and others' emotions. WHO competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Producing results, Moving forward in a changing environment, Creating an empowering and motivating environment. Expert English language proficiency is essential; beginner knowledge of Russian is desirable.

Explore related opportunities