Roster For WHO Representative

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. This role is within the HQ/HRT Human Resources and Talent Management department, focusing on talent management and recruitment for WHO Representative positions across various global locations. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO.

Job Purpose

The WHO Representative (WR) serves as the Director-General's and Regional Director's senior representative at the country level, acting as WHO’s trusted adviser, advocate, and accountable leader for health. The role involves strategic leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy to advance national health priorities, positioning WHO as a leading health authority through policy dialogue and engagement with governments and partners. The WR promotes Health in All Policies and whole-of-government approaches, providing authoritative, evidence-based guidance and mobilizing WHO expertise to support Member States in achieving sustainable health outcomes and measurable impact. This includes ensuring effective office management, compliance, risk management, and fostering an ethical and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy to advance national health priorities and position WHO as a trusted partner. Advise governments and partners on health policy and whole-of-government approaches. Coordinate technical cooperation aligned with country priorities and WHO standards. Convene diverse stakeholders to build consensus on health issues, including emergencies. Mobilize resources, strengthen partnerships, and support sustainable health financing. Lead the WHO Country Office, ensuring effective planning, implementation, compliance, risk management, communication, and staff management. Promote health priorities within the UN Country Team and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Ensure strong governance, transparency, accountability, and risk management. Build and sustain a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive workforce, fostering an ethical workplace with zero tolerance for misconduct.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 10 years of progressive international experience in health-related fields, with at least two years of country-level experience engaging with governments and external partners. Desirable: Experience across multiple countries, leading programs, managing budgets, mobilizing resources, and working within UN frameworks or in humanitarian health response.

Skills

Broad knowledge of public health and health systems. Political acumen and advocacy skills. Diplomacy, negotiation, and communication. Stakeholder engagement. Management skills (strategic planning, M&E, reporting, resource management). Interpersonal skills for diverse environments. Ability to work with tact and diplomacy. Continuous learning mindset.

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