About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office for India is supporting national and subnational authorities in advancing responsible, equitable, evidence-based, and sustainable use of AI for health, consistent with WHO guidance. The Health Systems Officer will serve as the primary WHO focal point within India, coordinating country-level engagements with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the National Health Authority (NHA), and other national stakeholders. The role focuses on translating SAHI’s strategic recommendations into actionable inputs for the development and finalization of the implementation plan, establishing foundational elements of the AI ecosystem including governance, evaluation frameworks, and workflow integration guides, and ensuring alignment with India’s existing digital health architecture and regulatory environment.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly remuneration of INR 218,855 taxable as per Indian laws
- Appointment through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) for 12 months, extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of India (only Indian nationals should apply as the post is subject to local recruitment)
- Essential Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or above) in public health, health policy, health informatics, or a related field from an accredited institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Essential Experience: At least 2 years of experience working with India’s health system and familiarity with AI applications in healthcare
- Language Skills: Fluent in English
Required documents
- Scanned copies of degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) required for the position (if retained for interview)
- Updated vaccination card/evidence as required by WHO during the medical clearance process
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: Aug 13, 2026
- Closing Date: Sep 3, 2026, 9:59 PM
How to apply
- Access the official WHO careers portal page for the vacancy
- Click on 'Apply Online' and complete the application form following the candidate instructions
Additional information
- The position is posted at New Delhi, India, and may require extensive travel (up to 15 days in a month) to states and districts.
- A written test and interviews may be used as a screening method.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- Contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO.
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…
- Indian nationals with an advanced degree in public health, health policy, or health informatics.
- Professionals with at least 2 years of experience working within India's health system and a strong understanding of AI applications in healthcare.
- Candidates comfortable with significant domestic travel, as the role may require up to 15 days of travel per month.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a 12-month Special Services Agreement (SSA) contract, which differs from standard staff appointments.
- The role is strictly for Indian nationals, as it is a locally recruited position.
- Candidates should be prepared for the high-intensity nature of the role, given the travel requirements and the need to coordinate across multiple national stakeholders.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a strategic move for a public health professional in India looking to lead at the intersection of AI and health policy. It offers direct engagement with national authorities, making it an ideal role for someone aiming to influence the implementation of digital health architecture at a national scale.
Our take
This is a highly suitable role for Indian health policy experts interested in AI integration. It is not suitable for non-nationals or those unable to meet the travel demands.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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