Junior Public Health Professional - AI Health
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The Department of Health Systems Development (HSD) focuses on strengthening health systems globally. This role sits within the SE/HSD Department, specifically contributing to the Digital Health & AI Technical Unit's efforts in the South-East Asia Region.
Job Purpose
This role aims to support the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) in advancing the responsible development, evaluation, implementation, and scaling of artificial intelligence (AI) for health across the region. The position will provide crucial technical assistance to Member States throughout the AI lifecycle, from identifying health system challenges addressable by AI to deploying and monitoring AI-enabled solutions. A key focus will be on enabling countries to effectively use AI to improve health outcomes, strengthen health systems, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to health, while also contributing to regional AI governance and ethical frameworks.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support to WHO-SEARO and Member States on AI-enabled solutions, strategies, and implementation. Assist in the operationalization of AI in healthcare strategies, such as India's SAHI, and develop AI readiness indices. Support the technical assessment, validation, and evaluation of AI-enabled health technologies and programs. Aid Member States in evaluating their AI readiness, including data availability, quality, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. Contribute to the development and application of AI evaluation frameworks, methodologies, and responsible AI governance. Assist in creating conceptual frameworks, technical guidance, strategic plans, policy proposals, and knowledge products related to AI in health. Conduct evidence reviews and horizon scanning on emerging AI technologies. Undertake other related technical activities as assigned, aligning with WHO-SEARO's digital health priorities.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of two years of experience in digital health, AI, or machine learning projects, with direct experience in AI for health (development, testing, validation, deployment, evaluation, or scale-up). Desirable: Experience in AI technology assessment, product development, clinical/public health AI evaluation, AI safety, health informatics, or digital health architecture. Experience working with UN agencies, particularly WHO, and with governments or health institutions in low- and middle-income countries is also desirable.
Skills
Proficiency in spoken and written English. Strong technical understanding of AI, machine learning, data science, and statistical modeling. Deep understanding of DPIs, DPI-Health, Reference Architecture, and the AI development lifecycle. Ability to critically assess and evaluate AI models and products. Understanding of SAHI and national AI health strategies. Knowledge of health data, health information systems, and AI integration into digital health. Ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical, scientific writing, and technical communication skills. Strategic thinking, collaborative work, and innovative problem-solving abilities.