World Health Organization (WHO) Seeks a Representative Talent Pipeline 2026 – P5, D1 and D2. Apply By 31 August 2026

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications to its WHO Representative Talent Pipeline for senior international health professionals qualified for potential WHO Representative posts at P5, D1 or D2 level. WHO Representatives lead the organization at country level, acting for the Director-General and Regional Director. They give strategic leadership, policy advice and diplomatic engagement, and position WHO as a trusted partner in national health development. Successful candidates are placed on a roster from which individual vacancies may later be filled.

The appointment is a fixed-term, full-time contract of two years, with multiple duty stations, listed under job number 2602951 and posted on August 19, 2026.

Requirements

Applicants need an advanced university degree in public health, health sciences, health systems or a medical-related field. A first degree in health sciences or a medical degree is desirable, and a relevant doctorate may be an advantage. They need at least 10 years of progressive international experience in health-related fields, including at least two years at country level working with governments and external partners. Helpful experience includes work across several countries or regions, health systems strengthening, leading field programmes, managing large budgets and mobilising resources, working with UN Country Teams and Resident Coordinators, and humanitarian health response. Expert English is required.

Candidates should have broad knowledge of public health and global health priorities, strong political acumen, diplomacy and negotiation skills, and the ability to engage ministries, UN agencies, development partners and financial institutions.

The work covers advising governments on national health policies, leading high-level policy dialogue, supporting national health strategies and emergency preparedness, representing WHO in negotiations, and developing the Country Cooperation Strategy. Representatives also coordinate technical cooperation, strengthen health data systems, mobilise resources and support sustainable health financing. They are responsible for managing the country office, including people, finances and operations, building a diverse workforce, enforcing zero tolerance for misconduct and leading WHO communications at country level.

Key dates

The application deadline is August 31, 2026.