The World Health Organization is seeking a Technical Officer for its Department of Medicines and Health Products Policies and Standards (HPS) at headquarters in Geneva. The department works to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured and affordable medicines and health products, in line with the WHO Access Roadmap 2025–2030 and the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

Position sought: A senior technical officer (grade P4) to provide technical and executive support to HPS leadership and WHO senior management on priority cross-cutting issues related to access to health products, including governance of the pharmaceutical ecosystem.

Main tasks: Prepare policy briefs, normative guidance, technical documents, talking points and analytical materials; coordinate the development, revision and implementation of the department's strategic framework and organization-wide documents (such as the Access Roadmap); lead coordination and communication across the three levels of WHO and monitor key developments on access to health products; analyze the efficiency of departmental initiatives and recommend new approaches; facilitate projects, consultations and working groups involving WHO technical units, regional and country offices, and external partners; support governance processes related to engagement with non-State actors, including FENSA-related activities; serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders to promote policy coherence and coordinated action; and synthesize information for complex, non-routine requests to support informed decision-making.
Profile requirements: An advanced university degree (master's level) in business administration, management, pharmacy, medicine, biomedical engineering or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years' professional experience in developing policies and strategies and/or project management related to access to medicines and other health products, with experience managing complex projects and diverse stakeholders, experience within WHO or another UN-system organization, and relevant international exposure. Candidates need up-to-date knowledge of access to health products across the value chain, strong organizational and communication skills (including concise drafting and editing), the ability to manage multiple projects independently, sound judgement and discretion, and the relevant WHO competencies. Expert knowledge of English is essential; intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

Location: Geneva, Switzerland. Full-time, temporary appointment (under Staff Rule 420.4) for one year.

Application deadline: 6 September 2026, 11:59 pm (local device time).