OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
WHO’s work in countries operationalizes the General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work 2025-2029 (EPW2). GPW14 focuses on accelerating progress toward Health for All by strengthening systems for health, improving access to essential services, advancing preparedness and resilience, and reducing health inequalities. EPW2, endorsed at RC75 following extensive consultation with Member States, reaffirms WHO/Europe’s role in bringing unique value to countries through five core functions:
1. International knowledge hub for health – providing authoritative evidence, norms, policies and best practices from across the Region and globally to inform national public health decision-making.
2. Impartial coordinator for everyone’s health – convening national stakeholders and partners to align strategies and support coherent, multisectoral responses to shared health challenges.
3. Leader in tracking and managing cross-border health threats – supporting surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated action on public health emergencies in line with the Preparedness 2.0 agenda.
4. Driver of health system transformation – advising national authorities on evidence-informed reforms and policies that strengthen health systems and improve performance.
5. Voice for health equity – helping countries identify who is being left behind and integrating equity considerations into health policies and strategies.
In this context, WHO Country Offices enable the translation of global and regional commitments into national action. They support Member States by providing strategic advice, convening dialogue across sectors and partners, connecting national authorities with WHO’s technical expertise, and facilitating the use of evidence and best practices to inform policy.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Health Governance, Partnerships and Recovery Unit, the incumbent will liaise, provide technical support and facilitate the coordination of WHO’s engagement with national and sub-national authorities, international partners, and European Union authorities in relation of Ukraine’s health-sector EU integration and accession process. The incumbent will provide liaison and coordination support in the implementation of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA), the Ukraine Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), EPW2 and GPW14 priorities, with a particular focus on strengthening the governance of the EU integration process, and coordinating support provided to Ukraine by EU member states directed towards EU integration.
1) Provide liaison and coordination support with national and sub-national authorities, EU institutions, and international partners in the implementation of activities related to Ukraine’s health sector EU integration and accession process.
2) Facilitate the coordination of technical assistance and donor engagement linked to the EU integration agenda, including alignment with EU financing mechanisms such as the Ukraine Facility, promoting coherence with national priorities and Ukraine’s official international assistance coordination architecture (including Sectoral Working Groups).
3) Support the coordination of WHO’s engagement with stakeholders involved in EU integration in the health sector, including the Ministry of Health, National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), Public Health Centre (UPHC), other line ministries, the EU Delegation, and EU Member State partners, to promote coherent positioning and information flow across counterparts.
4) Track and report on normative developments relevant to health governance and EU integration, including new ministerial orders, laws, and guidance from the Ministry of Health, Cabinet of Ministers, Verkhovna Rada, and the President of Ukraine, with particular attention to alignment with EU acquis and accession chapter requirements in health.
5) Prepare briefing packages in support of bilateral and multilateral meetings, field trips and missions, including for high-level meetings with government representatives, EU counterparts, and technical visits.
6) Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, Cabinet of Ministries of Ukraine, and other national and regional institutions in the development, implementation and monitoring of policies and strategies related to health system governance, EU integration and recovery, incorporating cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, sustainability and social inclusion.
7) Contribute to the preparation of technical and policy inputs, position papers, and progress reporting related to Ukraine’s EU accession process in the health sector.
8) Provide support in the application of tools and guidelines for information management, data analysis, and preparation of regular and timely briefings, reports, and situation analyses related to EU integration progress.
9) Ensure visibility of WHO’s work on EU integration through networking and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including media, civil society, and government and non-government communications counterparts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: first level University degree (Bachelor’s level) in social sciences, public health, political sciences, public administration, legal affairs, or a related field.
Desirable: Master’s degree in one of the above fields.
Experience
Essential: At least 2 years’ demonstrated experience coordinating activities with partners, stakeholders, and donors in public health, health systems, or international development.
Desirable: Experience working with international organizations, WHO, or the UN in delivering policy advice and technical support to countries; familiarity with EU accession or EU-funded programming in the health sector.
Functional Skills
Ability to work in teams in complex cultural and political environments.
Sound knowledge of WHO policies and programmes, and of Ukraine’s health governance architecture, decentralization set-up (roles and functions of regional institutions vs national), EU integration process, and recovery agenda.
Direct experience working in a complex international environment, including collaboration with UN agencies, EU institutions, and other intergovernmental organizations.
Competence in managing complex political and institutional contexts, adapting to changing circumstances, and tolerating uncertainty.
Demonstrated ability working with government officials, stakeholders, donors, and civil society in the area of public health.
Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with health system analysis and policy coordination.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing Results
Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Ukrainian.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another United Nations language.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 47,491 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
Link to apply: Job Description – Technical Officer (Governance/EU Integration) (2603887)
How to apply
Link to apply: Job Description – Technical Officer (Governance/EU Integration) (2603887)