About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a Scientist (P4) within the Nutrition and Food Safety Action Unit (NFA) of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS). The role focuses on implementing proven nutrition and food safety actions to reach all populations, specifically targeting cardiometabolic nutrition (CMN) through the development of scientific guidance, policy advice to Member States, and the creation of implementation tools and advocacy materials.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance).
- Variable post adjustment for the duty station (currently USD 6,043 per month).
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Allowances for dependent family members.
- Home leave.
- Education grant for dependent children.
- Parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
Who can apply?
- Advanced level university degree (Master's level) in nutrition, internal medicine, public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of experience in public health nutrition, epidemiology, or medical practice, focusing on noncommunicable diseases.
- At least 4 years of relevant international experience.
- Proven record of developing scientific documents and policy briefs.
- Expert knowledge of English.
- Non-smoker (WHO does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco).
- Must be able to confirm vaccination status as required by WHO.
Required documents
- Advanced level university degree/diploma/certificate (required if retained for interview).
- Updated vaccination card (required during medical clearance).
When to apply
- Application window opens: August 26, 2026.
- Application deadline: September 16, 2026, 9:59:00 PM.
How to apply
- Apply online through the WHO careers portal.
- Candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment as part of the screening process.
- If retained for an interview, candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees, diplomas, or certificates from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Public health professionals with an advanced degree in nutrition or epidemiology
- Experts with at least 7 years of experience in noncommunicable diseases
- Candidates with a proven record of developing policy briefs and scientific documents
- Professionals with significant international experience in public health
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is based on-site in Geneva, requiring relocation
- The position is subject to mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance
- Candidates must be non-smokers and meet specific vaccination requirements
- The selection process may include written tests and video assessments
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a high-impact role for someone looking to influence global health policy and cardiometabolic nutrition initiatives. It is an ideal step for an experienced scientist aiming to work at the highest level of international health governance and contribute to global implementation tools.
Our take
Experienced public health scientists with a focus on nutrition should seriously consider this. Those without the required international experience or those who cannot meet the health and lifestyle requirements will find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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