Director (Antimicrobial Resistance)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME The strategic objective of the Department of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is to develop, promote, and monitor policies and strategies to prevent and mitigate drug-resistant infections globally, based on the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, the WHO General Programme of Work and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The department provides strategic leadership for the global response to AMR, coordinating with FAO, WOAH, UNEP and other international agencies, and fostering multisectoral engagement across the OneHealth spectrum. Its main objective is to support the development and implementation of One Health National Action Plans, focusing on infection prevention and control, global surveillance and consumption monitoring, antimicrobial stewardship, awareness, research and development, and implementation of the National Action Plan. The Department of AMR leads efforts to implement these plans, enhance country-level capacity, coordinate global surveillance, and monitor progress towards global targets.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Generic duties

1. Ensures effective direction, management, and accountability of the Department and/or the specific programme managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives through managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and peer communities to optimize the department's financial resources, deliverables and mandate.

2. Leads 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.

3. Leads the Department in developing evidence-based policies and strategies for dissemination and implementation in Regional and Country Office programmes.

4. Provides highest level technical advice and expertise to Management in the respective area of work in order to position the Department and Organization as a leader in the respective area of work.

5. Leads the establishment and development of the Department's evidence-based policies and strategies for roll out and delivery for Regional and Country Office implementation.

6. Ensures the management of the monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting of the Department's area of work of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Department deliverables.

7. Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and other key players in the respective area.

8. Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with External Partners, Member States, UN Agencies, Donor, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global policies.

9. Represent the Department area of work in global fora to position the area of work in the global health community.

10. Provide strategic leadership to foster cross-departmental and cross-divisional collaboration, aligning organizational priorities to maximize synergies and impact.

11. Strengthen institutional coherence by integrating efforts across HQ, regional, and country levels.

12. Champion collective action through coordinated resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional initiatives.

13. Contribute to the raising of Voluntary Contributions for work that is directly related to the WHO's Core Mandates, the agreed strategic direction and focused areas of work.

14. Leads 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.

15. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties

1. Lead global AMR surveillance and antimicrobial consumption monitoring across the One Health spectrum.

2. Guide the development and implementation of One Health National Action Plans, emphasizing prevention, stewardship, and research.

3. Strengthen country-level capacity to operationalize AMR policies into effective, sustainable programmes.

4. Coordinate the Global Action Plan on AMR and foster collaboration with Quadripartite agencies and international partners.

5. Drive global advocacy and alignment of AMR priorities across human, animal, plant, food, and environmental sectors.

6. Support cross-cutting WHO initiatives, including alignment with guidelines and product prequalification.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in public health, with a medical or scientific background (virology, microbiology, epidemiology) related to the functions of the position.
Desirable: A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Antimicrobial Resistance or related areas such as major communicable diseases. Experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers. Experience managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies. Demonstrated experience at the international level. Track record of high-level political advocacy at a global level with UN agencies or other international organizations. Experience in facilitating interagency coordination or global working groups and networks within the United Nations system.
Desirable: PhD in public health, with a track record of peer-reviewed articles and reports relevant to the subject area. Relevant experience at three levels of the organization. Experience of working within a UN agency.

Skills

Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources. Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, partners and media. Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area. Globally respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in Antimicrobial Resistance. Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of public health/disease control programmes. Demonstrated leadership in managing global governance mechanisms, including working groups, networks,special envoys, interagency platforms, and technical partnerships, particularly within UN and Quadripartite frameworks. Proven ability to shape global policy, programming, and advocacy strategies, including effective engagement with non-state actors and coordination across WHO's three levels. Advanced proficiency in leveraging data analytics and health information systems to monitor AMR trends,strengthen surveillance, and inform evidence-based policy. In-depth understanding of the AMR landscape, including key stakeholders, institutional dynamics, and global response networks.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN languages.

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 117,953 (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 8787 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.
• Special selection procedures may apply.
• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• In case the recruitment website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the recruitment website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates