About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a dedicated Rehabilitation and Partnerships Officer for its Country Office in Kyiv, Ukraine. This temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 is for an initial duration of 6 months. The role operationalizes WHO’s General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work (EPW2) by supporting the rehabilitation and disability team, establishing partnerships with local and international organizations, enhancing donor visibility, and coordinating with the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders. The position plays a critical part in aligning emergency interventions with long-term health system strengthening, reviewing country health needs, and facilitating technical working groups and coordination meetings in a rapidly changing environment.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 47,491, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance.
- 30 days of annual leave.
- Access to parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
- Comprehensive UN staff benefits package promoting work-life balance.
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of Ukraine (National Professional Officer position restricted to nationals of the duty station country).
- Essential Education: University Degree (Bachelor's) in rehabilitation, public health, medicine, international development, project management, or another relevant field.
- Desirable Education: Post-graduate education or training in a relevant field.
- Essential Experience: At least two years of experience in public health, health systems, development cooperation, humanitarian response, rehabilitation, disability inclusion, program management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders such as government institutions, UN agencies, donors, civil society, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs).
- Experience supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of health or development programmes.
- Language Skills: Expert knowledge of English and expert knowledge of Ukrainian (essential); intermediate knowledge of another United Nations language (desirable).
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) if retained for an interview (must be recognized/accredited in the World Higher Education Database).
- Updated vaccination card for medical clearance.
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 5, 2026, at 9:59 PM UTC
How to apply
- Review the candidate instructions and complete your profile on the WHO career portal.
- Submit your application online via the official WHO recruitment page before the deadline.
- Participate in screening assessments, which may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment.
- Provide required educational credentials and complete medical and background verifications if selected for interview.
Additional information
- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process receive special consideration.
- A written test and/or asynchronous video assessment may be used during screening.
- WHO enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other abusive conduct, and conducts strict background checks.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users.
- Contracts are conditional on confirmation of required vaccinations.
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…
- Professionals with a background in public health, rehabilitation, or humanitarian response who have hands-on experience coordinating multi-stakeholder health programs in complex environments.
- Candidates who possess strong partnership management and advocacy skills, specifically working alongside government bodies, NGOs, and organizations of persons with disabilities.
- Bilingual professionals with expert fluency in both English and Ukrainian seeking to make an immediate impact on health system recovery in Ukraine.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a temporary appointment limited to an initial duration of 6 months, which may carry employment uncertainty beyond the contract term.
- The position requires operating within significant uncertainties in a rapidly changing and high-pressure emergency context.
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to Ukrainian nationals due to the National Professional Officer classification.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This temporary role provides an exceptional platform for public health and development professionals to contribute directly to high-impact emergency response and rehabilitation programming within a premier international agency. It fits candidates aiming to expand their UN footprint, strengthen multilateral partnership portfolios, and gain substantive experience in health system recovery.
Our take
Ukrainian nationals with at least two years of relevant public health or program management experience and fluency in English and Ukrainian should strongly consider applying before the October 2026 deadline. Candidates seeking long-term permanent staff appointments should note the fixed 6-month duration of this temporary assignment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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