About the opportunity
The Division of Programme Management (DPM) at WHO/Europe ensures technical excellence and coherence across health programmes and country support. The Country Office Support (COS) team provides strategic support to WHO country offices, focusing on strengthening country impact, monitoring political and operational developments, and enabling cross-country collaboration. The Technical Officer will support the COS Team Lead in designing and implementing key work areas, managing strategic engagement with senior leadership, overseeing the use of Pulse Sheets for country intelligence, and coordinating the induction of new Heads of Country Offices. This role requires a high level of discretion, analytical skill, and the ability to translate complex country-level inputs into actionable advice for senior management.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 86,027
- Variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Istanbul
- 30 days of annual leave
- Allowances for dependent family members
- Home leave
- Education grant for dependent children
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's level) in public health, international relations, health administration, public administration, social sciences, or a related field
- At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, international relations, country support, partnerships, or programme management
- Expert knowledge of English
- Intermediate knowledge of Russian
- Demonstrated knowledge of WHO's mandate and strategic frameworks
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project planning skills
Required documents
- Scanned copy of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) (to be provided if selected for an interview)
- Updated vaccination card (required during medical clearance)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2026, at 10:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Access the official WHO career portal via the provided job link
- Create or log in to your account
- Complete the online application form
- Follow the provided instructions for candidates to ensure the application is submitted correctly
Additional information
- This is a fixed-term appointment for one year
- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO
- A written test and/or asynchronous video assessment may be used for screening
- WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse
- WHO is a smoke-free environment and does not recruit tobacco users
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 extensive experience in international public health or diplomatic relations who are comfortable navigating politically sensitive environments.
- Individuals with a proven track record in strategic coordination and high-level stakeholder engagement within international organizations.
- Candidates who possess both the required expert English and intermediate Russian language skills, as this is a specific operational requirement.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a fixed-term, one-year appointment, which may be subject to renewal but does not guarantee long-term tenure.
- The role involves significant international mobility requirements, as WHO staff in the Professional category may be reassigned to different duty stations globally.
- Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous screening process, which may include written tests and video assessments.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is ideal for experienced professionals looking to transition into or advance within the UN system, specifically in a role that bridges the gap between regional strategic management and country-level implementation. It offers a unique opportunity to influence health policy and operational effectiveness across the WHO European region.
Our take
This role is highly suitable for seasoned public health or international relations experts with a strong background in organizational support and strategic planning. Candidates who meet the language requirements and have experience working with Member States or country offices should prioritize this application.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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