The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for its WHO Representative Talent Pipeline, a senior leadership opportunity for experienced international health professionals who are qualified for potential WHO Representative positions at P5, D1 or D2 level. WHO Representatives serve as the Organization’s senior representatives at country level, acting on behalf of the Director-General and Regional Director. They provide strategic leadership, high-level policy advice, diplomatic engagement and technical guidance while positioning WHO as a trusted authority and partner in national health development. The talent pipeline is intended to identify qualified candidates who can subsequently be considered for individual WHO Representative vacancies. Successful candidates will be placed on a roster from which relevant positions may be filled. Position Details Position: WHO Representative Talent Pipeline Grades: P5, D1 and D2 Contract Type: Fixed-term appointment Contract Duration: 2 years Duty Stations: Multiple locations Schedule: Full-time Job Number: 2602951 Posting Date: August 19, 2026 Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 Organisation: World Health Organization Primary Function: Country-level health leadership Role of a WHO Representative The WHO Representative serves as the Organization’s principal senior representative in a country, providing strategic direction and strengthening WHO’s relationship with governments, development partners, civil society and other stakeholders. The successful candidates will be expected to provide high-level advice on national health priorities, advocate for evidence-based health policies and support Health in All Policies and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. The role requires strong political judgement, diplomacy and foresight to navigate complex health, geopolitical, financing and partnership environments. As WHO’s lead country-level diplomat, the Representative builds trust, facilitates consensus among diverse stakeholders and protects the Organization’s neutrality, credibility, scientific integrity and technical mandate. Strategic Health Leadership and Advocacy WHO Representatives will provide authoritative advice to governments and partners on health policies, WHO norms, international standards and Member State commitments. Key responsibilities include: Advising governments and partners on national health policies and priorities. Leading high-level policy dialogue and advocacy. Supporting the development and implementation of national health strategies. Strengthening emergency preparedness and response. Representing WHO in high-level engagements and negotiations. Convening governments, development partners, civil society and communities. Developing and reviewing the Country Cooperation Strategy. Ensuring health priorities are integrated into UN country planning processes. Promoting health-related Sustainable Development Goals through national and international partnerships. Technical Cooperation and Partnerships The WHO Representative will coordinate WHO’s technical cooperation with Member States and ensure that international expertise is translated into practical, country-led solutions. The position involves mobilising technical expertise across WHO and external institutions, coordinating partnerships and supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Representatives will work with governments, United Nations agencies, development partners, academia, civil society and communities to strengthen health systems and improve national capacity. They will also support emergency preparedness, humanitarian health response and recovery efforts where required. Other responsibilities include strengthening health data systems, evidence generation, monitoring and reporting, resource mobilisation, sustainable health financing and national capacity development. The role also promotes South-South, triangular and regional cooperation to advance health outcomes. Operational Management and Accountability WHO Representatives are responsible for effective management and stewardship of country offices. This includes overseeing human, financial, technical, operational and logistical resources in accordance with WHO policies and procedures. The position requires strong leadership in results-based planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, compliance and risk management. The successful candidate will be expected to build and maintain a high-performing, diverse and inclusive workforce through effective performance management, succession planning, staff development and talent management. WHO Representatives must also foster an ethical and respectful workplace with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, fraud, retaliation and other forms of misconduct. They will provide strategic country intelligence to senior WHO leadership and lead WHO communications and visibility at country level. Education Requirements Applicants must hold an advanced university degree in public health, health sciences, health systems or a medical-related field. A first university degree in health sciences or a medical degree is desirable, while a doctorate in a relevant public health or health-related discipline may also be advantageous. Professional Experience Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressive, relevant international experience in health-related fields. At least two years of relevant country-level experience involving engagement with governments and external partners is also required. Additional experience that will strengthen an application includes: Working across multiple countries or regions. Health systems strengthening or reform. Leading programmes in field locations. Managing significant budgets and mobilising resources. Working with UN Country Teams and Resident Coordinators. Supporting health priorities through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Humanitarian health response in emergency settings. Skills and Competencies Candidates should possess broad knowledge of public health, health systems and global health priorities, together with an understanding of WHO and UN strategies, policies and operational frameworks. Strong political acumen, diplomacy, negotiation and communication skills are essential. Candidates should be able to engage effectively with government ministries, development partners, UN agencies, financial institutions and other influential stakeholders. The role also requires excellent strategic planning, programme management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and human and financial resource management capabilities. Because WHO Representatives operate in politically and culturally diverse environments, strong interpersonal skills, tact, adaptability and sound judgement are critical. Language Requirements Expert knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge of another official WHO language is desirable, depending on the eventual duty station and regional requirements. Salary and Benefits WHO remuneration for professional staff is calculated in US dollars. The annual base salary starts at approximately: P5: USD 103,165 D1: USD 117,953 D2: USD 130,477 These amounts are subject to applicable mandatory deductions, including pension contributions and health insurance. Additional benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, dependent family allowances, home leave and education grants for eligible dependent children. Important Application Information Candidates who are already on the relevant WHO roster do not need to apply. A covering letter is mandatory, and candidates who are shortlisted may be required to complete a written assessment and/or asynchronous video assessment. Candidates retained for interview will be required to provide scanned copies of relevant academic qualifications. WHO verifies that higher educational qualifications meet applicable accreditation and recognition requirements. Candidates for internationally recruited WHO Representative positions will be considered only after successfully completing the required formal assessment. The successful candidates will normally be added to the talent roster, from which individual WHO Representative vacancies may subsequently be filled. Mobility and Diversity International professional appointments with WHO are subject to geographical mobility. Candidates appointed to fixed-term International Professional positions from P1 through D2 may be assigned to activities or duty stations anywhere within the Organization. WHO strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States. The Organization is committed to gender parity, geographical diversity, inclusion and a workplace based on mutual respect. Application Deadline Applications for the WHO Representative Talent Pipeline must be submitted by August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM. This opportunity is particularly suitable for senior public health professionals with extensive international experience, proven leadership capabilities, government engagement experience and a strong record of managing complex health programmes and partnerships. Key Details Organisation: World Health Organization Position: WHO Representative Talent Pipeline Grades: P5, D1 and D2 Contract: Fixed-term Duration: 2 years Locations: Multiple locations Minimum Experience: 10 years of progressive relevant international health experience Country-Level Experience: Minimum 2 years Minimum Education: Advanced university degree in a relevant health field Language: Expert English required Deadline: August 31, 2026 Job Number: 2602951 Application: WHO Careers VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.