Comprehensive Guide to World Health Organization Jobs: Opportunities, Requirements and How to Apply

Have you been making efforts to get World Health Organization Jobs or been employed or contracted as a World Health Organization officer, but have you yet to get a positive result? There may be things you are not doing correctly. In this guide, you will be provided with detailed information on how to land your dream job with the World Health Organization and how it works.

WHO careers are ideal for health professionals or individuals with leadership and management certifications. They offer attractive benefits and global impact. This article will walk you through the requirements for available opportunities and how to apply for them.

Who is the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1948, with the mission of promoting global health and addressing critical health challenges, including communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. WHO works closely with countries to strengthen primary healthcare systems, achieve universal health coverage, and respond to health emergencies. Its efforts are aimed at improving public health outcomes worldwide and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

Types of World Health Organization Jobs

There are different types of World Health Organization jobs globally that you may find interesting. These jobs are paid decently and provide you with the avenue to contribute to the community. They are:

Public Health Professionals Jobs

These positions focus on enhancing public health, developing health policies, and managing interventions such as immunization programs, disease control, and promoting global health initiatives. Public health professionals play a vital role in shaping health systems, conducting outreach, and delivering healthcare across different regions, addressing issues like communicable diseases and improving overall community health.

As a Public Health Professional, your major assignment is to support the WHO state coordinator in coordinating technical and health-related activities. Among your tasks include:

• Immunization and PHC (Routine Immunization, SIAs, surveillance)
• Coordination of WHO State Technical Team
• Cross-Cutting Tasks
• Coordinate the World Polio IMS Technical Team, etc.

Management and leadership Jobs

WHO’s leadership roles, including positions such as team lead and technical officer, are essential for ensuring the success of programs addressing critical public health needs. These roles involve implementing strategies that enhance global health and strengthen health systems.

Effective management and leadership are the pillars of accountability at WHO, as the organization relies on its workforce to achieve its mission. WHO’s leadership plays a crucial role in guiding the organization through changing global health landscapes, fostering innovation, and inspiring future leaders. One of WHO’s core objectives is to train and develop future leaders who will drive public health initiatives forward. The stronger and more capable WHO’s leaders are, the healthier and more resilient the world becomes.

Operations Jobs

WHO’s management and administration play a crucial role in achieving global health goals by effectively managing the organization’s resources and budgets, often in collaboration with partners like the World Bank. The World Health Organization emphasizes innovative practices and sound business strategies to support its mission of improving public health worldwide.

A key component of WHO’s strategic framework is the General Program of Work (GPW), a high-level document that outlines the organization’s global health priorities and strategic direction. Developed in consultation with Member States, experts, and stakeholders, and approved by the World Health Assembly, the GPW sets WHO’s roadmap for each period. It serves as the foundation for WHO’s biennial program budget, translating strategic priorities into actionable deliverables and ensuring the necessary financial resources are allocated.

This structure allows WHO to empower its workforce to perform at their best, optimizing available resources and enhancing its ability to respond effectively to health emergencies and promote universal health coverage.

Emergency Responders Jobs

WHO’s emergency response team plays a critical role in addressing health emergencies, particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera, Ebola, and other communicable diseases. These teams are often deployed to manage large-scale crises and protect public health on a global scale.

The World Health Organization workforce is actively involved in responding to dozens of infectious disease outbreaks, non communicable diseases, and natural disasters worldwide. Their staff supports Member States in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies that pose significant public health risks. This includes working closely with national professional officers, medical officers, and public health officers to deliver coordinated health interventions during crises.

World Health Organization Job Categories

WHO, a committed agency that impacts lives across divides, has different job categories for different levels of responsibilities, expertise, and duties needed in the organization’s activities.

There are four important job categories in the World Health Organization. They are:

International Professional Staff

WHO International Professional Staff is internationally recruited to serve globally in the health sector, management, and leadership. He is charged with mobility and works according to WHO’s expertise in programs and activities.

International Professional Staff service requires proficiency in English or French and a smart knowledge of the United Nations’ second official language, such as Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian.

Also, an IP staff member’s grades or levels move from P1 to D2, depending on his work experience and educational level. An IP1 staff member must have a year of relevant work experience and a university degree. To move from P1 to P6/D1/D2, there must be at least 15 years or more of professional working experience with a Master’s degree.

National Professional Officer

National Professional Officers (NPOs) are hired for their local expertise and knowledge, primarily to support WHO’s operations within their own country. However, their roles are not limited to local assignments; they may also take on responsibilities in different regions worldwide, contributing to a wider scope of WHO’s health initiatives.

NPOs generally share similar qualifications and expectations as International Professional Staff, but their focus remains on national-level work. The career progression for NPOs follows specific levels, starting from NO-A, which requires just one year of relevant professional experience and a first university degree. Advancement to higher levels like NO-D requires a minimum of seven years of experience, along with a master’s degree or equivalent.

General Services Staff

General Service (GS) Staff are local residents or nationals employed to support WHO programs and professional staff, playing a critical role in the organization’s day-to-day operations. Their contributions are vital to the success of WHO’s global health initiatives.

A General Service officer is typically required to be fluent in one of the UN’s official languages, such as English, French, or Spanish, and proficiency in a second language is highly advantageous. Depending on the duty station, knowledge of a third language may be beneficial.

The career progression in the General Service category ranges from G3 (requiring two years of experience and a secondary school technical or commercial certificate) to G7, where a minimum of ten years of experience is required with the same educational background.

Consultants and other Contractual Arrangements

The World Health Organization (WHO) engages consultants for specialized expertise in various fields, providing time-limited, project-focused, professional-level support to achieve specific program deliverables. These consultants are contracted to perform targeted tasks that align with WHO’s global health objectives, facilitating the implementation of critical health initiatives.

It is important to note that these contracted experts are not permanent employees of the WHO and are therefore excluded from the scope of WHO staff rules and regulations. This contractual arrangement allows the organization to tap into specialized knowledge and skills on a temporary basis, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in addressing urgent health challenges worldwide.

World Health Organization Jobs Application Process

Preparing your application

When seeking an application for World Health Organization jobs, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the organization and its mission. Familiarizing yourself with what the World Health Organization (WHO) represents and the scope of its work will help you assess whether your qualifications align with available opportunities.

A serious applicant should be aware of WHO’s commitment to global health, including tackling communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and promoting mental health. If there is a job vacancy in your field of interest, consider the environment you will be applying from and the specific job title you are pursuing.

It’s essential to tailor your CV to meet WHO’s requirements, highlighting relevant experience in public health and any previous work with health systems. Additionally, practice the assessment tests offered by WHO, and study feedback from former employees to gain insights into the organization’s application process.

By preparing in this manner, you can increase your chances of success when applying for positions such as public health officer, technical officer, or national professional officer within WHO. Understanding WHO’s operational framework, including its collaboration with the World Bank and focus on universal health coverage, will equip you for your application journey.

Applying online

After developing an interest in World Health Organization jobs, the first step is to assess your profile and identify which vacancies align with your qualifications. Once you’ve pinpointed suitable positions, you can create an online account or profile on the WHO recruitment platform to apply for your desired roles.

If your self-assessment reveals that you qualify for multiple WHO job vacancies, it’s advisable to create a general profile or template that can be tailored for different applications. This approach allows you to efficiently update your profile to meet the specific requirements of various roles, such as public health officer, technical officer, or national professional officer.

Your profile should clearly outline your work experiences, competencies, and accomplishments in public health or related fields. A well-structured profile will position you favorably against other applicants during the selection process.

Finally, always check the application deadlines for the positions you’re interested in. Late applications will not be considered, so ensure you submit your application before the deadline. If your application is successful, you will receive an acknowledgment via the email you submitted.

For your online application, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.who.int/careers
2. Create an account with your active E-mail
3. Verify your account through Email confirmation
4. Fill out the Online Application Form
5. Upload credentials
6. Submit

Selection process

An applicant for World Health Organization jobs should be well-versed in the recruiting system, eligibility criteria, and the stages of the selection process involved. Understanding WHO’s organizational culture and values is equally crucial, as it can help you determine your fit and potential for selection.

The selection process for applicants is thorough and can take considerable time due to the comprehensive review of applications, often spanning weeks or even months. After this initial review, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to proceed to subsequent steps, including assessment tests, screening, and competency interviews. Successfully passing these stages will determine your suitability for the position you are applying for, such as public health officer or technical officer.

Familiarizing yourself with these processes will enhance your chances of securing a role within the WHO.

Requirements for World Health Organization Jobs

If you want to apply for any of the WHO jobs, you have to firstly review the organization’s selection profile to learn about the staff it employs. This understanding will help you determine whether you are qualified for the available vacancy at the organization.

Also, consider the points discussed below to stand a chance of being employed.

Educational qualifications

Education is a crucial factor when pursuing World Health Organization job opportunities. To enhance your chances of selection, possessing a strong educational background is essential. The specific educational requirements vary depending on the position you are interested in.

For those seeking WHO International or National Professional positions, a minimum of a first university degree in a relevant field is essential. Holding a Master’s Degree or an equivalent qualification significantly boosts your candidacy for International Professional roles.

For General Service positions, candidates must possess at least a secondary, technical, or commercial school certification. Ensuring you meet these educational prerequisites will position you favorably in your application for WHO jobs.

Fields of Study Required

There are various fields, courses, and departments available when you are sourcing WHO’s job opportunities. Before applying, it is necessary to check the fields that are accepted for specific opportunities or vacancies. Some of the required fields are as follows:

• Medical Sciences
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Management
• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Information System
• Statistics

Work Experience

As crucial as educational requirements are, work experience is equally important when applying for World Health Organization jobs. Your experience in your field of application can be the deciding factor that sets you apart from other candidates. Therefore, gathering as much relevant experience as possible is highly advisable.

The work experience requirements vary by position. For both international and national professionals, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in your field of interest is typically required. For General Service positions, two years of relevant work experience are necessary.

You can acquire this experience through volunteering, internships, or other opportunities. Gaining relevant experience will enhance your application and position you favorably against applicants who may lack it.

Language Skills

Proficiency in English and knowledge of a second UN System language—such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish—are core requirements for applicants seeking World Health Organization jobs. This linguistic capability is essential, as WHO professionals interact with diverse populations across various regions and cultures. Effective communication in multiple languages enhances collaboration and supports WHO’s mission to promote global health.

Other Relevant Skills and Competencies

Good analytical skills: The ability to identify problems and analyze them with a proven solution is a rare skill, and if you have it, you are a step ahead of other applicants.

Teamwork: It is essential to know how to work as a team. The saying “Two heads are better than one” best explains the importance of working with a brilliant team.

Every organization looks for the ability to work with people of diverse beliefs, races, and cultures. This skill is also a core requirement for WHO jobs because you will always work with different groups of individuals to achieve a collective goal.

Communication skills: The ability to communicate decently and ideally in the languages recognized by the WHO body is key. Good communication skills will distinguish you from other applicants who lack them.

Understanding of Policy Issues: Another essential feature an applicant for WHO should possess is an understanding of the organization’s policy, which is built on ethical and evidence-based health policies.

Interest in public health: An interest in Public health with rich qualifications is an advantage for any applicant because that is the major goal of WHO. Recall that the creation of WHO is to improve global health goals with different activities.

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

WHO internship program

The World Health Internship Program is designed to train future leaders in public health and the WHO’s technical and administrative programs.

Experts and trained health professionals worldwide are needed to promote global health goals.

To achieve this, WHO has introduced internships to train and build diverse future leaders in the health sector. The internship program will give students and recent graduates insights into WHO’s technical and administrative programs and enrich their knowledge and experiences in various areas, helping them contribute to their communities.

Volunteering Options

More than enough volunteering opportunities are available at the WHO through United Nations Volunteers in different designed areas of expertise to improve and promote health at national and local levels.

For volunteer opportunities, check this link: https://app.unv.org/

How these can lead to full-time positions

Internships and volunteering jobs with World Health Organisation expose you to a series of opportunities ahead of other applicants.

WHO interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and will not have an official appearance for the organization in any capacity. They are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within three months following the end of their internship.

However, this does not apply to temporary and long-term staff positions. If a position is advertised, it is open to all, including interns.

For example, an intern can apply for the available vacancies, such as non-interns or external candidates. However, what places you ahead and might give you an edge over other applicants are your gathered insights, experiences, and knowledge. This would help you during the selection process.

World Health Organization Jobs – Salary

Salaries are categorized based on role and location. Medical officers often earn the highest, with some positions paying over $182,000 annually. Compensation includes benefits like health insurance, aligning with the UN Staff Regulations.

Below are the three categories of the WHO staff and how they are paid.

• Professional and Higher Officer (IP)
• National Professional Officer (NPO)
• General Service

Offers and opportunities for these positions are either fixed or temporary.

Professional and higher officer categories:

These categories of officers are paid according to a salary scale applied worldwide as established by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the recommendation of ICSC. This Job classification developed by ICSC provides the structure for this salary scale.

Staff in the General and National Professional officers

These Officers are paid according to a local salary scale. Their pay is based on an existing local conditions.

From the above brief explanation, the salary for WHO jobs varies and depends on the category you fall into and the position you hold.

The breakdown of the WHO jobs salaries could be extracted from here

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/World-Health-Organization/salaries or https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/World-Health-Organization-Nigeria-Salaries-EI_IE11724.0,25_IL.26,33_IN177.htm

What is the Highest-Paying Job in the World Health Organization?

The WHO average salary ranges from approximately $49.688 (estimate) per annum for a Data Assistant to $182.493 (estimate) per year for a Doctor. Hence, Medical Doctors can be said to get the highest pay at the World Health Organization.

Take the Next Step: Apply for a WHO Position Today

WHO is one of the best platforms to bring your “work and impact lives” dreams to fruition. While working at WHO, you earn reasonably and contribute positively to the communities.

WHO works to achieve a healthy community. You can join the organization as an employed officer or intern. Everything you need to make a successful application and stand a chance of becoming a community member of WHO has been discussed; just pay attention to it.

If you’re ready to make a positive impact on global health, apply for a WHO position. From improving mental health care to tackling communicable diseases, WHO offers fulfilling career paths. Start your application today by visiting https://www.who.int/careers/apply-for-a-position. You can also click this link, which will take you directly to the application portal: https://www.who.int/careers.

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