Pandemic Fund Coordinator

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME:

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

WHE/EPR assists Member States to strengthen the health sector's capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radio nuclear and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. WHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policies and the International Health Regulations – IHR (2005).

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in advancing global health, protecting populations, and responding to public health emergencies. At the heart of its mission is the commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring they are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to emerging health threats. By providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and critical resources, WHO enhances global health security and fosters resilience against future pandemics.

Recognizing the need for sustained critical investment in pandemic preparedness, the Pandemic Fund was established to provide dedicated long-term financing to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The fund addresses systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning closely with WHO’s mandate to reinforce global health infrastructure and enhance emergency response coordination.

As one of the 13 approved Implementing Entities, WHO leverages its extensive expertise, operational capacity, and global network to support the effective implementation of Pandemic Fund projects at the country level. Through targeted interventions, WHO ensures that investments translate into tangible improvements in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response mechanisms, and workforce development. By working in close collaboration with governments, partners, and stakeholders, WHO continues to drive progress toward a safer, more resilient global health landscape. In this way, the post of Pandemic Fund Coordinator was created.

Summary of Assigned Duties :

The incumbent is assigned to all of the following responsibilities, which are performed as needed:

1.     Project Coordination & Implementation

·In collaboration with HEP/PAM, coordinate the two streams of Pandemic Fund work in AFRO: stream 1 for tracking implementation and reporting of both single country proposals, and regional/multi-country proposals; and new proposal development.

·Support the planning, execution, and monitoring of the multi-country and regional entity projects, ensuring timely and effective implementation in line with WHO guidelines and national health priorities.

·Manage Pandemic Fund coordination unit with direct supervision of Project Management Officers (PMO).

·Work closely with WHO country offices, government counterparts, and partners to facilitate the smooth execution of project activities.

·Ensure seamless coordination and communication across WHO’s three levels—headquarters, regional offices, and country offices—to foster cohesive project execution.

2.     Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

·Coordinate the Establishment and maintenance a robust Monitoring, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system.

·Track project progress, ensuring key performance indicators and milestones are met, and provide regular updates to WHO leadership and relevant stakeholders.

·Contribute to the development of progress reports, impact assessments, and evidence-based recommendations to inform decision-making and policy development.

3.      Proposal Development & Coordination

·Lead and coordinate the end-to-end development of multi-country and regional entity proposals for the 3rd call of the Pandemic Fund.

·Oversee the proposal drafting, review, and finalization of proposals, ensuring quality, technical rigor, and compliance with donor requirements.

4.     Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management

·Foster collaboration with governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of the Multi-country and Regional entity initiatives.

·Promote and communicate WHO’s and the country’s pandemic fund implementation efforts to relevant audiences, enhancing visibility and stakeholder engagement.

5.     Represent WHO in Technical Meetings & Strategic Discussions

·Act as WHO’s focal point in technical meetings, working groups, and high-level discussions related to multi-country and regional initiatives, advocating for WHO’s priorities, and ensuring alignment with global health security goals.

6.     Supervision and Onboarding

·Develop and implement an onboarding and induction process to familiarize new team members with project objectives, roles, and WHO policies.

·Provide training sessions and mentorship to ensure they acquire the necessary technical skills and knowledge.

·Conduct regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure alignment with project goals.

7.     Resource Mobilization & Advocacy

·Identify funding opportunities and relevant financing mechanisms to enhance multi-country and regional PPR efforts.

·Develop advocacy materials and briefs to highlight the importance of regional and multi-country collaboration in pandemic preparedness.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Competencies:

*1. Teamwork

*2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

*3. Communication

 4. Building and promoting partnerships

 5. Ensuring efficient and effective use of resources

Functional skills and knowledge:

·Strong problem-solving skills, demonstrated through the ability to identify challenges, gather and analyze complex data, build strategic models, and provide well-founded recommendations to enhance project outcomes.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present in meetings, draft comprehensive reports, and create strategic presentations. The officer should engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and health partners at national, regional, and international levels.

·Proven ability to work collaboratively in teams, fostering cooperation, developing team members, and promoting a constructive team environment that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Educational (Qualifications):

Essential

·Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, International Relations, Health Policy, or a related field.

Desirable:

·PHD in at least one of the abovementioned fields.

Experience:

Essential

·At least 7 years in managing public health programs or operations, preferably in African contexts, with a strong focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy development in emergency or humanitarian settings.

·Proven expertise in project management, including the ability to oversee multiple projects, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes. This includes managing project work, coordinating teams, and reporting to higher-level management.

Languages

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English

Desirable: A working knowledge of French would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT): Computer literacy.

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 84,672 (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 2,851 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.
• 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 Manual.

• 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.

• 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.

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• 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.

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