About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a Technical Officer, Essential Medicines, to support Member States in the WHO African Region. The role sits within the Health Systems and Services (HSS) department and the Medicines, Vaccines and Health Technologies (MDI) Programme. The overall objective is to improve the availability of and equitable access to quality-assured and affordable medicines, health products, health technologies, and health infrastructure to attain Universal Health Coverage. The incumbent will provide technical guidance, support regulatory systems harmonization, coordinate research aligned with public health priorities, and assist countries in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and antimicrobial resistance. This is a temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 with a duration of 12 months, based in Congo-Brazzaville.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at USD 86,027
- Variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in the duty station, currently amounting to USD 3,255 per month
- 30 days of annual leave
- Allowances for dependent family members
- Home leave provisions
- Education grant for dependent children
- Parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements
Who can apply?
- Degree in Pharmacy complemented by an advanced degree in Management of Medicines and Pharmaceutical Systems
- A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in essential medicines management, analysis, costing, and procurement at national and international levels
- At least five years of experience working in resource-limited countries
- Experience in capacity building and/or advising national health authorities on essential medicines
- Intermediate knowledge of English and expert knowledge of French (language requirements are interchangeable)
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required university degrees, diplomas, or certificates (required in advance if retained for an interview)
- Updated vaccination card/evidence as part of the medical clearance process
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 30, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 21, 2026, at 9:59 PM UTC
How to apply
- Access the official WHO career portal via the online application link
- Complete the candidate profile and submit your application form online before the stated deadline
- Participate in preliminary screening assessments, which may include a written test or an asynchronous video assessment
- Provide verified educational credentials from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) if invited for an interview
Additional information
- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process receive special consideration.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.
- Candidates must confirm required vaccinations prior to undertaking 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…
- Mid-to-senior pharmaceutical policy and supply chain professionals with extensive experience in resource-limited settings will find this role a strong direct match.
- Candidates with bilingual capabilities in French and English who want to shape public health systems and regulatory harmonization across Africa.
- Professionals seeking international civil service experience within the United Nations system focusing on essential medicines and non-communicable diseases.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as a 12-month temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 rather than a permanent career contract.
- Expert knowledge of French is mandatory along with at least intermediate knowledge of English, restricting eligibility for non-francophone applicants lacking French proficiency.
- Relocation to the duty station in Congo-Brazzaville is required for the duration of the contract.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 12-month temporary post offers an impactful opportunity for senior pharmaceutical experts to contribute to regional health infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and essential medicine access across the African continent. It is well-suited for professionals looking to expand their international institutional portfolio within the UN system or transition into high-level advisory roles in global health policy.
Our take
Experienced pharmacists and pharmaceutical systems specialists with a strong background in resource-limited countries and bilingual proficiency in French and English should strongly consider applying before the October 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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