Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health
World Health Organization (WHO)
HQ/NMH Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health PPC
D2 Director and Top Executive Full-time Internationallly Recruited Close on 15 Feb 2026
The vision of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) is to advance health for all by anticipating change and integrating promotion, prevention and care across all health and disease areas to address today's greatest health burdens and tomorrow's challenges. Within PPC Division, the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health aims to promote health and well-being, prevent ill health and enhance care for people at risk of and living with NCD and MH conditions through global leadership, technical expertise along the continuum of care, access to evidence and health services, synthesis and translation, policy optimization, monitoring, advocacy, and multisectoral engagement including people with lived experience. Additionally, the department collaborates with the United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of NCDs (UNIATF) to enhance global and national efforts in addressing these health issues.
Generic duties
Lead the articulation of a clear departmental vision in coherence with organizational strategy and ensure its operationalization through robust departmental performance management practices that drive measurable results and enhance overall organizational effectiveness.
Lead the Department in providing scientific, technical and policy expertise to Member States and other stakeholders with guidance and technical data required for the development, implementation, and monitoring of national and/or global policies and programmes.
Provide the overall leadership, management accountability, and direction of the Department in delivering its objectives through managing and galvanizing a diverse workforce and financial resources to optimize the department's deliverables and mandate.
Work with and facilitates collaboration across Departments and Divisions within HQ and with Regional Offices and Country Offices.
Provide senior level technical advice and expertise to Executive Management and DG as appropriate in the assigned responsibilities to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area.
Provide strategic leadership to foster, encourage and facilitate cross-departmental, cross-divisional / clusters and across three-level collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact.
As appropriate integrate technological, digital and scientific advances into the work of the Department to ensure timely availability of information to Member States and ensure greater equity.
Anticipate scientific and technological advances by working with the Member States, colleagues in WHO and the scientific community to prepare for the changing pattern of global health and ensure equitable and timely access to innovative public health and clinical interventions.
Direct and lead overall establishment and development of the Department's evidence- based policies, strategies and WHO guidelines for roll-out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation.
Oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Department's area of work to develop key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to ensure optimal performance of the Department's deliverables.
Serve as the scientific, technical and policy reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective areas.
Build strong partnerships and fosters consensus building with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donors, cutting edge research institutions and other stakeholders in the subject area to politically position the technical area of work and implementation into national and global policies.
Promote the integration of Regional and Country Office perspectives and operational capacities into the Department's programme area of work.
Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels. Champion collective action through coordinated resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional initiatives.
Lead and coordinate resource mobilization efforts that are designed to strengthen WHO's presence and impact at regional and country levels, ensuring that newly secured resources are strategically aligned with field organization wide priorities, operational needs and budgets.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Specific duties
Oversee global surveillance and monitoring of NCDs and mental health to support data-driven policy and planning.
Develop and support the implementation of WHO guidelines, norms, and standards on NCDs and mental health.
Strengthen country capacities to apply evidence-based policies and integrate NCD and mental health services into health systems.
Guide the development and monitoring of national action plans focused on prevention, early detection, treatment, and integrated care.
Collaborate across WHO departments and with partners to integrate public health and clinical interventions.
Anticipate global trends in NCDs and mental health to ensure equitable access to services and interventions.
Streamline technical products to improve quality and reduce duplication.
Drive research, innovation, and resource mobilization aligned with WHO's core mandates.
Represent WHO in global forums to reinforce leadership in NCD and mental health response.
Essential:
An advanced level university degree in medicine, science, global health, epidemiology, public health, health economy, or fields strongly related to the department's portfolio in NCDs and Mental Health.
Specialized training in diverse range of Noncommunicable diseases and Mental Health.
Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.
Essential:
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. Senior-level experience advising decision-makers and guiding strategic direction. Proven ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams and manage financial resources. Strong background in analyzing scientific evidence to inform strategies and policies. Extensive international experience collaborating with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Skilled in managing complex partnerships and advocating for multisectoral NCD and mental health policies. Demonstrated success in designing and implementing community-based interventions to reduce NCD burden and improve mental health outcomes.
Desirable: Experience in conducting or coordinating operational research in the relevant technical areas.
Globally recognized expertise in NCDs and mental health, including prevention, management, surveillance, and policy development. Proven leadership in large-scale public health initiatives and implementation of WHO strategies and policies. Strong background in research, innovation, and improving access to new technologies and interventions. Experience in sensory impairments, oral health, rehabilitation, and disability within the broader NCD framework. Skilled in managing diverse teams and financial resources with empathy and effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and build consensus with Member States, partners, and stakeholders. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across WHO and external partners. Ability to anticipate scientific advances and ensure equitable, timely access to interventions.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Another UN language.
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 128,422 (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 9749 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.
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.
Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
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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