About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ukraine is seeking a National Professional Officer for Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The position is situated within the WHO Country Office in Ukraine and aims to assist the Ministry of Health in strengthening surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis. The incumbent will serve as a technical focal point for risk assessments, outbreak preparedness, and response at national and subnational levels, coordinate capacity-building initiatives, and provide technical advice on laboratory-based surveillance and environmental surveillance systems. This temporary appointment offers an opportunity to contribute directly to public health emergency preparedness and health system transformation in alignment with WHO’s European Programme of Work.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 47,491, subject to mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance
- 30 days of annual leave
- Parental leave and flexible work arrangements
- Comprehensive UN staff benefits and entitlements in accordance with WHO Staff Regulations and Rules
Who can apply?
- Nationals of Ukraine only (National Professional Officer position)
- Essential: A first-level university degree (Bachelor's level) in medicine, epidemiology, health informatics, public health, or equivalent areas
- Desirable: Master's degree or advanced training in any of the above fields
- Essential: At least two years of professional experience at the national level working in health systems, public health, health information, or infectious disease/VPD surveillance
- Demonstrated experience working with public projects and multiple stakeholders such as national policymakers, NGOs, and the private sector
- Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) upon being retained for an interview
- Updated vaccination records and medical clearance documents as required by WHO
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 15, 2026
- Closing Date: September 29, 2026, at 9:59 PM UTC
How to apply
- Access the official WHO Careers portal via the vacancy notice link
- Create or log into your candidate account
- Complete the online application form and submit your candidacy before the stated deadline
Additional information
- This is a temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 with a contract duration of 6 months.
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as part of the screening process.
- WHO contracts are conditional on confirmation of vaccination as required by WHO.
- Applicants must verify their educational qualifications using 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 in Ukraine with a strong background in infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, or vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Candidates possessing direct experience collaborating with national policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral health agencies.
- Bilingual professionals with expert proficiency in both English and Ukrainian who thrive in fast-paced international environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as a 6-month temporary appointment, which may involve a limited duration unless extended.
- Remuneration starts at an annual base salary of USD 47,491, subject to local tax and insurance regulations as applicable to national professional staff.
- Applicants must be nationals of Ukraine residing or authorized to work locally, as international candidates are not eligible for this National Professional Officer post.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This temporary role provides an ideal platform for public health experts aiming to strengthen their institutional footprint within the United Nations system, gain high-level crisis response experience, and contribute directly to national health security and disease eradication initiatives in Ukraine.
Our take
Ukrainian public health professionals with relevant surveillance experience and strong multi-stakeholder management skills should seriously consider applying before the September 29, 2026 deadline. Applicants seeking long-term permanent contracts right away should note the 6-month temporary nature of the appointment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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