WHO JPO - Technical Officer, Gender, Rights and Equity

IMPORTANT: Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of Norway. 

The Junior Professional Officers (JPO) programme offers young professionals an exceptional opportunity to learn first-hand about international development and gain hands-on experience in the field of multilateral international cooperation through a learning experience under the supervision of specialists, and to contribute to the advancement and furtherance of their organization’s mandate, particularly with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals.

For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment criteria, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc

The JPO will benefit from the following learning and development opportunities:

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department:
Situated in the Director General’s Office, the work of the Department for Gender, Rights, Equity and Diversity focuses on four areas: 1) application of gender-responsive approaches to health; 2) promotion of the right to health and other health-related human rights; 3) identification, monitoring and addressing health inequities; and 4) promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion within WHO. The department leads, supports and catalyzes the integration of gender equality, human rights and equity perspectives in the work of WHO at global, regional and country levels in line with the commitment to leave no one behind. The programme works closely with an organization-wide network of gender equality, human rights and health equity focal points. It collaborates across the UN and multilateral system on related topics and represents the Organization in external activities on these issues.
 

Assignment Summary:
The Junior Professional Officer will assist the Department of Gender, Rights and Equity to engage and support at all three levels of the Organization to advance gender equality throughout all aspects of work, with a particular focus on actions towards, and monitoring of, advancing gender equality in and through health in the context of the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work monitoring implementation of WHA Resolution 60.25 ‘Strategy For Integrating Gender Analysis and Actions into the Work of WHO’ and WHO’s performance against the United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Gender Equality & The Empowerment of Women (UNSWAP) indicators.
 

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Technical Lead (Gender), and overall oversight of the Director, Department of Gender, Rights, Equity and Diversity, the duties of the Junior Professional Officer will include the following:

1.Provide support for implementation of the gender marker into WHO's accountability mechanisms.
2.Contribute to the development of capacity strengthening materials and sessions, and other mainstreaming initiatives on gender equality and health within WHO.
3.Provide logistical, technical and coordination support to gender focused events organised by WHO
4.Provide technical inputs and coordination support for technical products on gender and health produced by the GRE department, including but not limited to, updates to gender mainstreaming technical guidance; women's health initiatives in the context of the Beijing Platform for Action; gender equality and health indicators; and the health of trans and gender diverse people.
5.Coordinate and draft inputs for briefing notes, fundraising proposals, and communication materials related to gender equality and health.
6.Maintain a database of diverse gender equality and health experts and civil society organisations, and a roster of potential gender equality and health experts from all WHO regions.
7.Provide coordination support to the annual reporting on the UNSWAP on gender equality and women's empowerment and biannual WHA Resolution 60.25 reporting.
8.Provide support to WHO’s engagement with UN mechanisms that are relevant to gender equality and health, including, amongst others, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Interagency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE), and the Gender and Health Policy Hub, coordinated by the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH).
9.Provide other technical and coordination support to the implementation of the GRE gender work plan and related resource mobilisation efforts, as required the supervisor.
10.Perform all other related duties as assigned.
 

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:
Essential: Advanced university degree in gender studies, public health, social sciences, international relations, development studies or other relevant field, with a focus on the intersection between gender and health.
JPOs are expected to hold a minimum of an advanced university degree. As this is a development programme, entering with an advanced university degree paves the way for their career.

Desirable: Postgraduate training focused on the intersections between sex, gender, and health; gender and health using an intersectional lens; and/or on the health of trans and gender diverse people.

Work experience:
Essential: Two years of professional experience in working on programmes or projects related to health, with a focus on gender equality issues, preferably in more than one country and/or with a multi-country or global focus.
Desirable: Experience in working in an intergovernmental organization or another international organization.

Skills and knowledge required for the assignment:
Languages and level required:
Essential: 
 

Desirable:

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise on intersectionality and gender diversity perspectives in relation to health. 

Demonstrated ability to translate findings from reports, research and/or consultations into policy and programmatic recommendations.

Demonstrated understanding of formulating and tracking indicators for monitoring results.
 

Nationality of candidate:

Under the JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of Norway. 

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

Learning objectives of the JPO during this assignment
Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have / be able to …

Attachments required:
•     A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements 
•     Copy of your passport
•     Copy of your Master degree
  Approximate start date: September 2025 The selected candidate will participate in an online predeparture training with NOREC in late August 2025 prior to taking up the assignment   Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at the United Nations:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working with us including our values and inspiring stories.
The UN does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.     Disclaimer
  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
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  Note: 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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