About the opportunity
In line with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), the WHO Representative office for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau supports WHO’s overarching goal to promote, provide and protect health and well-being for all people, everywhere. The office supports respective governments in accelerating, achieving, and sustaining the control, elimination, and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through integrated, people-centered approaches. The incumbent will provide critical technical support on immunization strategies, surveillance, campaign planning, and resource mobilization, working directly under the supervision of the respective officer and the overall guidance of the Head of the WHO Country Office.
Salary and benefits
- Annual base salary starting at WST 77,024, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance
- 30 days of annual leave
- Parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
- Access to wide-ranging staff benefits and professional development opportunities
Who can apply?
- University degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or other related sciences (essential)
- Training or specialization in immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases, surveillance, or related fields (desirable)
- At least two years of working experience in supporting the development and/or implementation of public health, capacity building policies/strategies, and programs in vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization at the national level
- Professional experience providing technical services to Member States and other partners in relevant public health programs in resource-limited settings
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
Required documents
- Scanned copies of required degrees, diplomas, or certificates (required in advance if retained for an interview)
- Updated vaccination card/records during the medical clearance process
When to apply
- Job posted on September 23, 2026
- Application deadline is October 14, 2026, at 9:59 PM UTC
How to apply
- Access the official WHO careers online application portal for job requisition 2603991
- Submit your online application through the Stellis recruitment system before the closing deadline
- Participate in preliminary screenings, which may include a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment
Additional information
- This is a National Professional Officer (NO-B) position; therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located (Samoa) will be accepted.
- Contract is a 2-year fixed-term appointment.
- WHO contracts are conditional on confirming required vaccinations prior to undertaking assignment.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco.
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 with a background in medicine, nursing, or related sciences looking to apply their expertise directly to international health initiatives in the Pacific region.
- Candidates who have at least two years of experience supporting immunization and vaccine-preventable disease programs at the national level.
- Practitioners experienced in resource-limited settings who thrive in coordinating multi-sectoral public health interventions.
What should you think carefully about?
- This position is restricted exclusively to nationals of Samoa due to its National Professional Officer classification.
- The contract is fixed-term for a duration of two years, requiring relocation to or presence in Apia, Samoa.
- Remuneration starts at WST 77,024 annually, which is subject to standard local deductions for pension and health insurance.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an impactful opportunity for public health specialists aiming to gain hands-on UN agency experience, direct regional policy implementation, and contribute tangibly to disease eradication frameworks in Pacific island nations.
Our take
National public health professionals in Samoa with a strong background in immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases who meet the educational and experience requirements should strongly consider applying before the October 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
