About the opportunity
Within the Medicines, Diagnostics, Infrastructure and Health Technologies (MDI) Programme, this position leads WHO’s work in the African Region to improve the availability of and equitable access to essential medicines and health products. The role involves providing technical guidance to countries for national strategies, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building for pharmaceutical systems. The officer will coordinate platforms for pooled procurement, harmonization of pharmaceutical practices, and local manufacturing. A key focus is addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and antimicrobial resistance through evidence-based policies. The position requires collaboration with regional economic communities, national health authorities, and international partners to advance Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 86,027
- Variable post adjustment reflecting local cost of living (currently USD 3,248 per month)
- 30 days of annual leave
- Allowances for dependent family members
- Home leave
- Education grant for dependent children
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in Pharmacy or a related field
- Additional training in Management of Medicines and Pharmaceutical Systems
- Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in essential medicines management, analysis, costing, and procurement
- At least five years of experience in resource-limited countries
- Experience in capacity building or advising national health authorities
- Expert knowledge of English or French, with intermediate knowledge of the other
Required documents
- Scanned copy of required degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) (if selected for interview)
- Updated vaccination card (if selected)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by October 16, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Apply online through the official WHO career portal
- Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
- Screening may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment
- Final candidates will undergo a background verification
Additional information
- This is a 12-month temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
- The position is subject to local recruitment and is intended for persons in the local commuting area
- WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse
- WHO is a smoke-free environment
- Candidates must be vaccinated as required by WHO before starting the 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…
- Professionals with extensive experience in pharmaceutical systems management within resource-limited settings in Africa
- Experts in national health policy development and the implementation of essential medicines strategies
- Candidates with strong diplomatic and communication skills capable of coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a temporary 12-month appointment, which may not offer long-term job security
- The role is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must already be based in the local commuting area of the duty station
- The position requires expert proficiency in either English or French and intermediate proficiency in the other
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a senior pharmaceutical expert to make a high-impact contribution to public health systems in the African Region. It is particularly well-suited for someone looking to apply their technical expertise in essential medicines and NCDs to influence regional policy and strengthen health infrastructure on a continental scale.
Our take
Experienced pharmaceutical professionals with a background in resource-limited settings should consider this role if they are currently based in the duty station area. It is less suitable for those seeking permanent employment or those who do not meet the specific language and regional experience requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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