About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a qualified National Professional Officer for Health System Strengthening based in Maseru, Lesotho. The programme aims to ensure that every child and other high-risk population groups are fully immunized with high-quality and effective vaccines against targeted diseases. It also seeks to ensure that vaccine-preventable disease surveillance performance indicators are achieved at national and district levels. Furthermore, the role provides technical assistance to the government to strengthen routine immunization capacity, promote equitable access to safe immunization services, support new vaccine introductions, and sustain efforts toward a polio-free status and measles elimination. The incumbent will also lead the development, review, and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks to improve health outcomes and health system performance.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at LSL 737,382 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance)
- 30 days of annual leave
- Parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements
- Comprehensive UN benefits package and professional development opportunities
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Lesotho (this is a National Professional Officer position open only to nationals of the duty station country)
- Essential Education: University degree in medicine, nursing, midwifery, public health, sciences, international development or a related discipline, plus an advanced degree (at least at master's level) in public health, epidemiology, related science, or health discipline
- Desirable Education: Post-graduate training or specialization in health systems, health planning, management, or health economics
- Essential Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in health-sector policy, strategy development, and planning at national or sub-national levels (including some in an international work environment), with at least 4 years in health planning and/or financing within a governmental institution or international organization serving resource-limited or middle-income countries
- Language: Expert knowledge of English; beginner's knowledge of French is desirable
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required university degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) (if retained for an interview)
- Updated vaccination card (required during the medical clearance process)
- Completed online application form via the WHO Stellis recruitment platform
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 29, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 9:59 PM GMT
How to apply
- Review the candidate instructions guide on the WHO careers website
- Access the online vacancy posting via the WHO career portal
- Complete or update your online profile and submit your application before the deadline
- Participate in preliminary screenings, which may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment
Additional information
- Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 for a duration of 1 year
- Grade Level: NO-C
- Candidates separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process receive special consideration
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users
- Mandatory vaccination policies apply prior to undertaking a WHO assignment
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…
- An ideal opportunity for public health professionals in Lesotho with extensive experience in health policy, health planning, and health financing reform.
- Well-suited for candidates looking to make a high-level impact on national health systems, immunization programs, and Universal Health Coverage initiatives.
- Provides a prestigious platform to work directly with government ministries, international organizations, and development partners within the UN system.
What should you think carefully about?
- Restricted strictly to nationals of Lesotho, making it unavailable to international applicants.
- Offered as a 1-year temporary appointment, meaning long-term job security beyond the initial contract depends on renewal or future vacancies.
- Remuneration is subject to mandatory national deductions for pension contributions and health insurance.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role directly supports mid-to-senior career public health specialists aiming to consolidate their expertise in international health governance, policy formulation, and large-scale health system reforms within a prominent multilateral agency.
Our take
Qualified nationals of Lesotho with a strong background in public health policy and health financing should strongly consider applying before the October 20, 2026 deadline. Applicants lacking the requisite advanced degree or years of experience need not apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
