About the opportunity
The Junior Public Health Professional (JPP) will support the Digital Health & AI Technical Unit at the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO-SEARO). The role focuses on strengthening the responsible development, evaluation, implementation, and scale-up of artificial intelligence within health ecosystems across the region. The JPP will provide specialized technical support to Member States across the AI lifecycle, including identifying health-system problems suitable for AI, assessing data readiness, validating AI-enabled technologies, and contributing to regional AI governance, safety, ethics, and capacity building.
Salary and benefits
- Annual remuneration of approximately USD 63,000.
- Valuable professional experience within a major United Nations agency (WHO).
- Opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge AI technology and global public health policy.
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of a South-East Asia Region Member State (Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, or Timor-Leste).
- Must be under 35 years of age.
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering, Mathematics, Computational Sciences, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Must have at least two years of experience working on digital health, artificial intelligence, or machine-learning projects, including direct experience in AI for health.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
- Strong technical understanding of AI, machine learning, data science, statistical modeling, and Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs).
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required degrees, diplomas, or certificates (requested if shortlisted for an interview).
- Updated vaccination card or proof of specific vaccinations (required during the medical clearance process).
When to apply
- Applications opened on October 6, 2026.
- The application deadline is October 20, 2026, at 9:59 PM.
How to apply
- Visit the WHO online recruitment portal at https://www.who.int/careers/apply-for-a-position.
- Complete your online profile and submit your application for Job Number 2604315.
- Prepare for potential screening assessments, which may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment.
Additional information
- WHO only recognizes higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- This position is a full-time fellowship with a duration of 24 months.
- WHO maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.
- Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities can be requested by emailing reasonableaccommodation@who.int.
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…
- You are an early-career technical professional with a strong background in AI, machine learning, or data science who wants to apply these skills to global health challenges.
- You hold citizenship in one of the specified South-East Asian countries and are under 35 years old, meeting the strict regional and age eligibility criteria.
- You have at least two years of practical experience in digital health or AI technology assessment and are eager to work directly with ministries of health and international partners.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a temporary 24-month fellowship, which does not guarantee a permanent career path or long-term employment within the WHO.
- The position is strictly on-site in New Delhi, India, requiring relocation if you are currently based elsewhere.
- Your degree must be from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) to be recognized during the selection process.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for young technical specialists to transition their skills into the international development and global health policy sectors. By working directly with WHO-SEARO, you will gain unique, high-level experience in AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and regional capacity building, positioning yourself as a rare expert at the intersection of advanced technology and public health.
Our take
If you are a young professional from the South-East Asia Region with a solid technical foundation in AI/ML and a passion for public health, this fully-funded fellowship is a premier career launchpad. However, those who do not meet the strict nationality or age requirements, or who require remote work arrangements, should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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