Unit Lead (Disability and Rehabilitation)
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) operates globally and regionally to strengthen health systems, improve access to services, enhance preparedness, and reduce health inequalities. WHO Country Offices translate these global and regional commitments into national action, providing strategic advice, facilitating dialogue, and connecting national authorities with WHO's technical expertise to inform policy.
Job Purpose
This role leads the WHO Ukraine Country Office's Rehabilitation and Disability Unit, implementing the national 5-year strategy for rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and disability inclusion. The purpose is to provide technical support to the Ukrainian government, enhancing access to general health services, rehabilitation, and assistive devices for people with impairments. It aims to improve evidence-based policy and program decision-making through better data and information systems, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate the Rehabilitation and Disability Unit, ensuring alignment with WHO's strategy and monitoring framework. Provide technical and methodological support for developing and strengthening rehabilitation services. Enhance WHO's approach to specialized and non-specialized rehabilitation, including service mapping, gap identification, and improving referral pathways. Collaborate on providing essential equipment and assistive technology. Support recruitment and deployment of staff and consultants. Develop and oversee project proposals, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Strengthen WHO's disability inclusion strategy, including supporting the UN Disability Task Team. Contribute to national and regional data development on disability and rehabilitation. Represent WHO in relevant technical meetings and forums.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum seven years of international experience in planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating disability and rehabilitation programs. Practical experience advising health or governmental institutions, NGOs, etc., on rehabilitation and assistive technology in lower- and middle-income countries. Desirable: Experience with WHO, UN, or other development agencies; experience in the WHO European Region.
Skills
Excellent knowledge of rehabilitation, assistive technology, disability, and community-based service development. Strong understanding of public health at national and international levels. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in standard office software. Emotional intelligence.