REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential : A university degree (Bachelor’s level or above) in public health, environmental health, nutrition, food systems, or another related field.
Desirable : An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in public health, environmental health, nutrition, food systems, or a related field.
WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ .
Experience
Essential : At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supporting public health programmes related to food systems, environmental health, and/or other similar areas, including experience in developing policies, strategies, or programmes that promote health and preventive approaches. Demonstrated experience working in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
Desirable : Experience at the country level. Relevant experience gained from other UN agencies or international organizations.
FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of country-level contexts related to sustainable food systems, environmental health and climate change, including dietary patterns such as sustainable protein sources and traditional and regional diets, together with a good understanding of country needs, priorities and policies, as well as WHO policies, guidelines, procedures and programme implementation approaches.
Ability to conduct research and analyse results, identify issues, formulate conclusions, and provide recommendations to strengthen public health systems.
Ability to review and contribute to the development of policies, strategies and programme objectives related to sustainable diets and food systems transformation.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Good knowledge of public health systems, including their links to food systems, environmental sustainability, and health outcomes.
Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty, including scientific evidence related to food systems, dietary patterns and their health and environmental impacts.
Public speaking techniques.
Excellent drafting and communication skills.
Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
Team spirit and time management skills.
WHO Competencies
Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:
who-enhanced-competence.pdf
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results;
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond;
Use of Language Skills
Excellent knowledge of English
Other Skills (e.g. IT)
Ability to identify innovative approaches and practical solutions.
Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. Remuneration comprises an annual net base salary starting at USD 71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable). In addition, a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living at the relevant duty station. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ . Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.
The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States ( https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion ) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process.
Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int .
For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
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