ABOUT US
The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, is an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but distinct from the World Health Organization (WHO). Our mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnerships to advance WHO's goals, enabling catalytic impact on the lives of those who rely on its work, and fostering innovation to maximize the resources we invest.
WHO holds a unique position in leading the global health ecosystem, responding to health crises, including cross-border conflicts and outbreaks in underserved communities. It produces technical guidelines and tools to prevent and treat diseases while acting as a trusted convener at the country level. The challenges of the 21st century, amplified by COVID-19, have underscored the inequity in access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. However, WHO lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate, and its vision cannot be realized through public sector funding alone.
To address this, the WHO Foundation was established as a collaborative platform to garner new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals. Our aim is to promote health, safeguard the world, and support the vulnerable while preserving WHO's neutrality and independence as the global health authority. WHOF serves as a nexus for transformative opportunities in global health, bridging the private sector with WHO's mission.
PURPOSE
The Chief of Staff will act as a vital partner to the CEO, supporting a broad range of internal and external activities. In this capacity, the Chief of Staff will represent and extend the CEO's capacity and serve as a trusted advisor. This role is crucial in bolstering the Executive Management Team (EMT) in their engagement with WHO and its ecosystem of partners.
While the Chief of Staff will have no or limited line management responsibilities, a proven track record as a dynamic leader is essential. This individual must foster trust across teams and navigate diverse organizational cultures, speaking the "language" of both WHO and WHOF's corporate and philanthropic partners. Maintaining internal trust within the WHO Foundation is imperative for effective collaboration across all teams and functions.
Given the Foundation's compact size (50-60 staff), the Chief of Staff will frequently manage special projects that are time-sensitive and critical, necessitating strong project management skills and a robust performance ethic. This role demands the capacity to engage in quantitative analyses, prepare presentations, and draft written documents.
The Chief of Staff will assist the CEO and EMT in directing capacity towards the organization's most pressing needs while ensuring effective engagement with WHO across various levels, including Geneva and regional leadership. This requires a deep understanding of WHO and adept relationship management skills. Furthermore, the Chief of Staff will champion a strong lens of justice and equity throughout Foundation functions, ensuring accountability for departmental operational plans and metrics while inspiring teams across the organization.
REPORTS TO
The Chief of Staff will report directly to the CEO of the WHO Foundation and will collaborate closely with both internal and external stakeholders on various subjects.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Develop and oversee the implementation of robust plans aligned with the Foundation’s strategic vision in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Prioritize initiatives and assist the CEO in focusing on efforts that yield the greatest impact.
- Ensure clear communication of strategies and successful operationalization throughout the organization.
- Support the CEO’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) vision, collaborating with the Chief People Officer to foster accountability and measure progress.
- Monitor progress towards strategic goals, identify risks and opportunities, and provide timely updates and recommendations to the CEO.
- Lead change management efforts to facilitate the smooth adoption of new strategies, processes, and workflows across the Foundation.
Communication & Liaison
- Act as the CEO’s primary point of contact with key stakeholders.
- Serve as a bridge between the WHO Foundation and WHO stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration on shared priorities.
- Facilitate effective communication across teams and with important partners.
- Represent the CEO by engaging with visitors, attending meetings, and coordinating events as needed.
- Prepare and oversee correspondence, briefing materials, talking points, and reports for the CEO’s review and signature.
Decision Support
- Gather, synthesize, and analyze data to provide actionable insights for strategic decisions.
- Partner with the CEO to make well-informed, risk-aware decisions aligned with the mission.
- Anticipate challenges and employ creative problem-solving for organizational impact.
- Support the CEO in managing stakeholder relations by mapping key partnerships, tracking engagement, and ensuring follow-through on commitments.
Project Management
- Lead and coordinate special projects and cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the CEO.
- Ensure timely execution, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes.
Leadership & Coordination
- Provide strategic leadership support to the executive team, aligning with Foundation priorities.
- Coordinate executive activities, drive collaboration, and promote proactive decision-making.
Board Relations
- Support the CEO’s relationships with the Board of Directors.
- Oversee the preparation of board materials, agendas, and reports, ensuring timely communication.
- Support effective governance and follow up on board decisions.
External Relations
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and leaders in global health.
- Represent the Foundation at high-level events and forums to promote its mission and visibility.
PROFILE
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role required.
- Significant experience in strategy, analysis, project management, and execution.
- Preferred knowledge of the Global Health sector.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Expertise in managing and evolving multiple stakeholder partnerships.
- High-impact communicator, effectively engaging others and stimulating thoughtful action.
- Strong judgment and comfort acting as a strategic advisor and influencer.
- Experience in politically complex situations.
- Capacity to build relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, partnerships, and external relations.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with proven leadership in collaborative environments.
- Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- A collaborative workplace within a truly global team.
- An agile, fast-moving, and flexible environment.
- The potential to leverage a renowned multinational name and organization, namely WHO.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Type of contract: Permanent
- Location: Geneva (relocation needed)
- Working rate: 100%
- Estimated start date: ASAP
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.