Permanent - 100%
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, create a catalytic impact on the lives dependent on its work, and facilitate innovative solutions to maximize the resources we invest.
WHO plays an unparalleled role in leading the global health landscape, responding to health crises including the ongoing situation in Ukraine and aiding over 15 million people in urgent need in the Horn of Africa. It produces technical guidelines and tools essential for disease prevention and treatment, while serving as a trusted convener at the country level. The challenges of the 21st century, epitomized by COVID-19, highlight both the inequities in access to effective and affordable healthcare and the critical role of WHO. However, WHO's insufficient resources hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate. Therefore, the vision of WHO cannot be realized by the public sector alone.
As such, the WHO Foundation was established to mobilize resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals, supporting our mission: to promote health, ensure safety, and serve vulnerable populations while preserving the neutrality and independence of WHO as the leading health authority globally. WHOF serves as a nexus for transformative opportunities in global health, bridging the private sector with WHO to enhance our impact.
PURPOSE
The Head of Governance, Risk and Ethics is pivotal in ensuring that the WHO Foundation operates at the highest standards of governance, ethics, and risk management. This role encompasses support for the Board of Directors, leadership of corporate secretariat functions, and oversight of compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
REPORTS TO
The Director of Governance, Risk, and Ethics will report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer of the WHO Foundation, collaborating closely with both internal and external stakeholders on various matters.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Governance and Board Leadership:
- Serve as the principal governance advisor, ensuring the Foundation’s governance framework is effective.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of governance policies, structures, and processes.
- Ensure governance practices meet the evolving expectations of our partners and impact-driven donors.
- Enterprise Risk Management:
- Spearhead a comprehensive risk management strategy that addresses emerging challenges and builds organizational resilience.
- Monitor and report on strategic, operational, reputational, and fiduciary risks to the CEO and the Board.
- Establish scenario planning, crisis management, and organizational continuity frameworks aligned with best practices.
- Act as a thought partner to leadership on managing uncertainty, mission risk, and reputational exposure.
- Regulatory Affairs and Global Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, fiscal, and regulatory frameworks across all jurisdictions of operation and fundraising.
- Oversee legal obligations, including tax-exempt status, charitable registration, and donor compliance.
- Lead engagement with regulatory and oversight bodies to maintain compliance and protect institutional credibility.
- Anticipate changes in the philanthropic landscape and proactively adjust policies to maintain trust.
- Institutional Ethics and Conduct:
- Serve as the Foundation’s Chief Ethics Officer, ensuring integrity in internal and external conduct.
- Design and implement ethics and conduct frameworks, including policies on conflicts of interest and anti-corruption.
- Promote an ethical and accountable organizational culture through capacity building and leadership engagement.
- Strategic Advisory and Leadership:
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on governance, risk, ethics, and compliance matters.
- Engage with global partners and governance experts to enhance the Foundation's reputation in philanthropy.
- Foster a governance and ethics architecture that supports innovation and partnership in multi-stakeholder contexts.
PROFILE
- 10–15 years of relevant experience in legal, governance, risk management, ethics, or compliance roles, preferably in international non-profit or philanthropic organizations.
- A relevant academic background in law, policy, international affairs, or related disciplines.
- Experience supporting or working with Boards of Directors and senior leadership teams.
- Solid understanding of global compliance and risk environments, with hands-on experience managing ethics policies and internal investigations.
- In-depth knowledge of governance, risk, and ethics practices in a global context.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate different teams and cultures professionally.
- Comfort in managing sensitive issues while upholding compliance with policies and standards.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
- Commitment to ethical conduct and the Foundation’s mission, with adaptability and a solution-oriented approach in fast-paced environments.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A rewarding role in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment, with opportunities for growth and learning.
- A collaborative workplace within a global team.
- An agile, fast-moving, and flexible working environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Type of contract: Permanent
- Location: Remote or based in Geneva
- Working rate: 100%
- Estimated start date: ASAP
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.
The WHO Foundation prioritizes equity in all its operations and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment opportunities are based on individual qualifications without regard to gender, color, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural and religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.