🌍 The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a senior Unit Head (P5) to lead its Emerging Zoonoses & High Impact Epidemics unit within the Epidemic & Pandemic Management programme in Geneva, Switzerland.

📌 Position details:
Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
Grade: P5

🦠 Main responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership and management for WHO’s work on emerging zoonoses and high-impact epidemics. Lead the development of evidence-based strategies, policies, technical guidance and operational frameworks. Direct global threat assessments, horizon scanning and risk analysis to identify emerging health threats. Oversee scientific guidance supporting outbreak preparedness, epidemic response and emergency management. Lead and coordinate technical teams, networks, collaborating centres and external experts. Provide technical leadership and evidence-based advice during epidemic and pandemic events. Manage staff, financial resources, work planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Build partnerships with governments, UN agencies, donors, research institutions and other stakeholders. Promote One Health and multisectoral approaches to emerging zoonotic threats. 🌐

👤 Candidate profile:
Master’s degree in medicine, public health, infectious diseases or epidemiology required. PhD in a relevant field desirable. Minimum 10 years of professional experience in prevention and control of emerging zoonoses and high-impact epidemics. Strong experience developing health policies and strategies and managing human and financial resources. Demonstrated international-level experience. Excellent multidisciplinary programme planning, policy development, team leadership and resource-mobilisation skills. Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with Ministries of Health, donors, civil society and other partners. Project management, disease surveillance and international-organisation experience are desirable.

🗣️ Languages:
Expert English required.
Intermediate French desirable.

💰 Remuneration & benefits:
Annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, subject to applicable deductions. Current post adjustment: USD 7,247/month. 30 days annual leave. Potential allowances for dependent family members, home leave and education grants for dependent children.

🚨 This is a senior global health leadership role suited to an experienced epidemiology, infectious disease or public health professional with substantial international experience, strong strategic leadership skills and expertise in epidemic and zoonotic disease preparedness and response.