Head of Office

Overview
Lead WHO Country Office to strategize and enhance health systems.

You have:

University degree in medicine, health related areas or social science
At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programmes
Expert knowledge of English
Expert knowledge of local language
Contract
This is a NO-C contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It’s a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-C contracts.

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Details
****OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME AND OF THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE****

WHO’s work in countries operationalizes the General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work 2025-2029 (EPW2). GPW14 focuses on accelerating progress toward Health for All by strengthening systems for health, improving access to essential services, advancing preparedness and resilience, and reducing health inequalities. EPW2, endorsed at RC75 following extensive consultation with Member States, reaffirms WHO/Europe’s role in bringing unique value to countries through five core functions:

International knowledge hub for health – providing authoritative evidence, norms, policies and best practices from across the Region and globally to inform national public health decision-making.
Impartial coordinator for everyone’s health – convening national stakeholders and partners to align strategies and support coherent, multisectoral responses to shared health challenges.
Leader in tracking and managing cross-border health threats – supporting surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated action on public health emergencies in line with the Preparedness 2.0 agenda.
Driver of health system transformation – advising national authorities on evidence-informed reforms and policies that strengthen health systems and improve performance.
Voice for health equity – helping countries identify who is being left behind and integrating equity considerations into health policies and strategies.

In this context, WHO Country Offices enable the translation of global and regional commitments into national action. They support Member States by providing strategic advice, convening dialogue across sectors and partners, connecting national authorities with WHO’s technical expertise, and facilitating the use of evidence and best practices to inform policy. The Head of WHO Country Office acts as a trusted advisor to the Ministry of Health and other national counterparts, fostering constructive collaboration and ensuring that WHO’s knowledge, standards and guidance contribute effectively to national health priorities and to broader regional and global health goals.
****DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES****

Under the leadership of the WHO Regional Director and guidance of senior management, the Head of WHO Country Office will:

* Provide strategic advice to national authorities, through the development, negotiation, and implementation of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) and/or the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), ensuring alignment with GPW14, EPW2, and national priorities.

* Act as a trusted advisor and impartial convenor, fostering constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Health, other government sectors, development partners, civil society, and WHO to advance coherent, multisectoral approaches to health.

* Represent WHO in senior-level government discussions, UN coordination mechanisms (where relevant), and partner forums, advocating for health as fundamental to national stability, prosperity and security.

* Enable access to WHO’s technical expertise, connecting national stakeholders with relevant specialists across the Regional Office, Headquarters, and regional/global networks to support evidence-informed policy-making and health system transformation.

* Promote and support health security and preparedness efforts, ensuring coordination on cross-border health threats and contributing to strengthened national and regional resilience.

* Bring a futures and foresight perspective to policy dialogue by identifying emerging trends, opportunities, and risks, and advising national counterparts and WHO technical divisions on their strategic implications.

* Maintain strategic relationships with national institutions, public bodies, academic and scientific organizations, professional associations, and media to support informed debate, transparency, and awareness of WHO’s work.

* Promote WHO’s equity agenda, helping national authorities identify inequities and integrate equity considerations into health planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

* Advance the sustainability and impact of WHO’s work in the country by supporting resource mobilization efforts and strengthening strategic partnerships, including with government, UN agencies, donors, civil society, and other stakeholders. This includes facilitating access to adequate and predictable financial and in-kind resources, in line with WHO policies, to strengthen WHO’s capacity to deliver its core advisory, convening, and technical functions in support of national health priorities.

* Ensure effective two-way communication between the Member State and WHO, informing national counterparts of relevant WHO resolutions, strategies, and initiatives, and providing the Regional Office with timely intelligence and strategic updates on country developments.

* Contribute to monitoring and reporting, ensuring that country-level progress, challenges, and lessons feed into regional and global processes, strengthening WHO’s collective situational awareness and accountability.

* Oversee the proper functioning of the Country Office, ensuring that operations are conducted efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with WHO rules, procedures, and standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFIATONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, health related areas or social science

Desirable: Master’s degree in public health and/or health management.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in managing health programmes.

Desirable:

Experience within a UN organization.
Experience with the management of project
****WHO Competencies****

Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
Communication
Teamwork
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Functional Knowledge and Skills
Sound knowledge of the socio-political, economic and health situation in the country.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential:
Expert knowledge of English
Expert knowledge of local language

REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at RON 369,222 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.