Director, Epidemic and Pandemic Management

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Epidemic and Pandemic Management programme is to enhance global health security by strengthening the capacity of countries to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to epidemics and pandemics. This involves improving surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory detection capabilities and bio risk reduction, training healthcare professionals, ensuring equitable and timely access to medical countermeasures, and fostering international collaboration relating to infectious disease threats. The immediate strategic objective is to develop evidence-based guidance and implement comprehensive epidemic and pandemic preparedness, prevention and response strategies and plans that integrate risk reduction relating to infectious disease threats, emergency response, and recovery efforts, ensuring resilience and sustainability in health systems. These plans are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of different populations, and emphasize intersectoral collaboration to create a cohesive and effective response framework to infectious disease threats.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Generic duties:

• Ensures effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department and/or the specific programme managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives through managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and peer communities to optimize the department's financial resources, deliverables and mandate.

• Leads the articulation of a clear departmental vision in coherence with organizational strategy and ensures its operationalization through robust departmental performance management practices that drive measurable results and enhance overall organizational effectiveness.

• Leads the Department in providing technical expertise to Member States and other stakeholders with guidance and technical data required for the development, implementation and monitoring of national and/or global policies and programmes.

• Leads the Department in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for dissemination and implementation in Regional and Country Office programmes.

• Provides highest level technical advice and expertise to Management in the respective area of work in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area of work.

• Oversees the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Department's area of work to develop key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to ensure optimal performance of the Department's deliverables.

• Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective area.

• Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global policies.

• Represent the Department area of work in global fora to position the area of work in the global health community.

• Provide strategic leadership to foster cross-departmental and cross-divisional collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact as well as international collaboration and community engagement to strengthen global health security.

• Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels.

• Champion collective action through coordinated resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Support the mobilization of voluntary contributions in alignment with WHO's core mandates, strategic priorities, and key programmatic areas.

• Lead and coordinate resource mobilization efforts that are designed to strengthen WHO's presence and impact at regional and country levels, ensuring that newly secured resources are strategically aligned with field organization wide priorities, operational needs and budgets.

• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties:

• Lead the development, implementation and dissemination of technical guidelines, comprehensive epidemic and pandemic preparedness plans and other knowledge products for the prevention and control of infectious hazards and other country health emergency preparedness related activities.

• Provide guidance for risk assessment and response to graded and protracted emergencies related to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential.

• Provide high-level political and strategic advice on infectious hazards management to WHO senior management as required, including in relations with UN agencies.

• Oversee the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Secretariat in convening and supporting the PIP Framework Advisory and Review Groups, guiding and managing the implementation of the PIP Framework partnership contributions, facilitating and managing benefit and sharing arrangements between PIP Framework stakeholders and related activities.

• Oversee the enhancement of surveillance and laboratory capabilities to ensure rapid detection and response to specific infectious hazards.

• Direct the training and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals in epidemic and pandemic response to specific infectious hazards.

• Oversee global expert networks and advisory groups on infectious hazards.

• Oversee implementation of the strategic vision of the interim Medical Countermeasures Network Partnership and the WHO Bio Hub, ensuring alignment with WHO's overarching objectives and mandates.

• Engage partners to support and advance health R&D for pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, mobilize resources, and promote the effective implementation of WHO policies.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in medicine, public health or another public health related domain related to the functions of the position. Training in health emergency management.
Desirable: A PhD in a relevant field. Certification in global health security.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Epidemic & Pandemic Management, including experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies.

• Demonstrated experience at the international level.

• Proven experience in public health policy and strategy formulation, and in coordinating large scale projects with high political impact.

• Relevant experience with the inter-agency mechanisms used to coordinate international preparedness, prevention, readiness and response for and response to health emergencies.

Desirable:

• Experience in leading international health emergency responses.

• Experience in capacity building and training.

• Experience in collaborating with international health organizations.

• Field experience in public health programmes or emergency response programmes at regional and country level, especially in developing countries.
  

Skills

• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies.

• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.

• Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.

• Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media.

• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health subject area.

• Globally respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in Epidemic & Pandemic Management.

• Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of public health/disease control programmes.

Technical/scientific Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in epidemiology and disease surveillance, with proven track record in early detection systems.

• In-depth knowledge of emergency response protocols, including strategic development and coordination across multiple agencies.

• Advanced skills in risk assessment and management, with the ability to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective mitigation measures.

• Comprehensive knowledge of health systems strengthening to enhance resilience and recovery capabilities.
  

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork

• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

• Communication

• Ensuring the effective use of resources

• Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership

• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 116,095 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 8707 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.

• Special selection procedures may apply.

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• In case the recruitment website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates