WHO JPO - External Relations Officer, Innovative Finance

IMPORTANT: This position is funded by the Government of Canada and is open only to nationals of Canada. The candidate should be max 32 years of age on 31 Dec 2025.

For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department: The mission of the External Relations Division (EXT) is to ensure a strong and supportive set of stakeholder relations for WHO and encompasses resource mobilization, governing bodies, partnership functions and aspects of communications. Within the division, the new team in charge of innovative finance will seek to complement the division current efforts to accelerate SDGs through the use of new partnerships and financial structures that can leverage additional resources for Global Health.

Assignment Summary: The JPO will work in the Innovative Finance team within the External Relations Division at WHO Headquarters. Under the supervision of the Senior Innovative Finance Officer, the JPO is expected to assist in day-to-day activities regarding resource mobilization and partnership development. S/he is specifically expected to contribute to the design and implementation of WHO’s innovative finance transactions, such as mobilization of the Health Investment Impact Platform (HIIP), a partnership between WHO and Multilateral Development Banks to mobilize more investment into health. Specific areas of work will include supporting set-up and day-to-day operations of the HIIP Secretariat, preparation for high profile events and meetings, such as the World Health Summit and COP29 as well as coordination between platform partners and across the three levels of WHO.

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations:
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Innovative Finance Officer (Innovative Financing) team coordinator, the JPO shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support operationalization and day to day management of the HIIP Secretariat, such as supporting development of the pipeline of potential applications, tracking the progress and maintaining a database of country concept notes and proposals, documenting submissions, reviews and approvals. 
• Supporting operationalization of technical assistance activities across the different levels of WHO, including supporting set-up of the first set of HIIP countries in coordination with WHO Country Offices and the HIIP regional coordinators. For example, supporting development and documentation of WHO internal processes for delivery under the HIIP. 
• Participating in the development of key internal and external documents for external events, such as concept notes, briefing notes and meeting agendas. 
• Supporting coordination of HIIP governance meetings, including developing a calendar of events, tracking agenda items and preparing minutes of the meetings.
• Liaising with stakeholders to prepare HIIP narrative and financial reports.
• Providing day-to-day support as it relates to the other potential innovative finance initiatives, such as analysis and review of potential opportunities. 
• Performing other related duties as assigned
   

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Advanced University Degree in business administration, finance, international relations. 

Work experience:

• Essential: At least two years of experience working in finance, international relations, diplomacy, global health or another relevant area. 
• Desirable: Experience working in international development e.g. with multilateral development banks, donor organizations or UN agencies.

Skills required for the assignment:

• Excellent computer skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills Strong organisational skills
• Strong communication skills
• Good skills and experience in writing and editing Knowledge of finance concepts and financial markets
• Knowledge of public health sector and WHO's role within the global health architecture

Languages and level required:

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

WHO competencies required for the assignment:
1.    Teamwork
2.    Communication
3.    Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
4.    Producing results
 

Age and nationality of candidate:

• This position is funded by the Government of Canada and is open only to nationals of Canada. 
• The candidate should be max 32 years of age on 31 Dec 2025.

Attachments:

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Master degree
• A motivation letter

Learning objectives of the JPO during this assignment
Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have a strong understanding of:

• The innovative finance space and the opportunities it offers to support delivery of WHO’s mandate.
• The development of finance (specifically health financing) space and the role of multilateral development banks 

WHO’s mandate, functioning and scope of WHO at the three levels. And be able to:

• Build and hone leadership and management skills 
• Build collaborative and rewarding professional relationships and networks
   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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