WHO / Marcio Schimming
The WHO Hub in Berlin welcomes partners and visitors during the World Health Summit, Berlin, Germany, 12-14 October 2025.
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WHO Representative Talent Pipeline

For global health leaders aspiring to become future WHO Representatives

WHO has launched the global WHO Representative Talent Pipeline (WR TP), a structured end-to-end process to identify and prepare high-potential candidates for future WHO Representative (WR) / Head of Country Office roles. Candidates apply through a vacancy notice on the WHO Careers portal and, if successful, may be included on the WR Roster from which future WR vacancies will be filled.

As the Director-General’s representative at country level, the WHO Representative serves as WHO’s senior health diplomat, strategic adviser to government, trusted United Nations partner, and country team leader. WRs support national health priorities, convene stakeholders, mobilize partnerships and resources, and translate global scientific evidence into practical action that improves lives.
 

 

Candidates

The Talent Pipeline seeks candidates who combine:

  • strong public health expertise;
  • strategic vision and political acumen;
  • excellent diplomacy and negotiation skills;
  • proven ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams; and
  • a strong commitment to integrity, inclusion, and service.

 

Objectives of the WR TP

  • Identify high-potential candidates for future WR roles.
  • Develop future WHO leaders through self-directed, competency-based learning and development.
  • Build readiness by strengthening the pool of candidates prepared for the WR Assessment Centre. Success in the Assessment Centre is required for inclusion in the WR Roster.
  • Support proactive deployment planning by aligning talent supply with anticipated country needs.

 

Who is eligible?

The WR Talent Pipeline is open to both internal and external candidates. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum requirements below.

  • Education: advanced university degree in public health, health sciences, health systems, or a medical-related field.
  • Experience:
    • minimum of 10 years of progressive relevant international experience in health-related fields; and
    • at least two years of relevant country-level experience, including work with governments and external partners.
  • Languages: proficiency in English is essential, and working knowledge of a second UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.
  • Service: willingness to take up WR positions in any setting and commitment to geographic mobility.

 

How to apply

Eligible candidates worldwide are invited to apply to the WR Talent Pipeline when vacancies are advertised. To check whether vacancies are currently available, click “Apply now” and search for the keyword “pipeline”. 

Applications must be submitted through the relevant vacancy notice on the WHO Careers site via Stellis, WHO's online recruitment system. Applications submitted outside of Stellis cannot be accepted.

Additional information about the Talent Pipeline process can be found in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.