Permanent - 100%
ABOUT US
The WHO Foundation (WHOF), established in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, operates as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with, yet distinct from, the World Health Organization (WHO). Our mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnerships to support WHO's objectives, catalyzing impact for individuals reliant on WHO's initiatives while fostering innovation to maximize resource effectiveness.
WHO plays a pivotal role in leading the global health ecosystem, serving as a first responder to health crises, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the urgent needs of over 15 million individuals in the Horn of Africa. Through the production of technical guidelines and tools aimed at disease prevention and treatment, WHO acts as a trustworthy convener at the country level. The contemporary health crises, including COVID-19, have highlighted the uneven access to effective and affordable healthcare, as well as WHO's indispensable role. Unfortunately, WHO lacks adequate resources to fulfill its mandate, and achieving its vision cannot solely rely on the public sector.
Consequently, the WHO Foundation was conceived to garner additional resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to further its mission: to promote health, maintain global safety, and serve vulnerable populations, all while safeguarding the neutrality and independence of WHO as the world’s foremost health authority. WHOF serves as a hub for unique global health opportunities, fostering transformative collaborations between the private sector and WHO. Our focus centers on mobilizing grant income, establishing shared value partnerships, and securing investments to empower WHO's endeavors.
PURPOSE
The Head of Governance, Risk, and Ethics is responsible for ensuring that the WHO Foundation upholds the highest standards of governance, ethics, and risk management. This role involves supporting the Board of Directors, overseeing corporate secretariat functions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
REPORTS TO
The Director, Governance, Risk, and Ethics will report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer of the WHO Foundation and will work closely with both internal and external stakeholders on various subject matters.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Governance and Board Leadership
- Act as the primary governance advisor, ensuring the effectiveness of the Foundation’s governance framework.
- Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of governance policies, structures, and processes.
- Ensure governance practices are responsive to the evolving expectations of our partners and impact-driven donors.
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Develop a comprehensive risk management strategy that anticipates emerging challenges and enhances organizational resilience.
- Continuously monitor and report on strategic, operational, reputational, and fiduciary risks to the CEO and Board.
- Establish frameworks for scenario planning, crisis management, and organizational continuity, aligned with best practices.
- Serve as a thought partner to leadership on navigating uncertainty, mission risk, and reputational exposure.
- Regulatory Affairs and Global Compliance
- Ensure compliance with legal, fiscal, and regulatory frameworks in all operational jurisdictions.
- Oversee legal obligations, including tax-exempt status and donor compliance.
- Lead engagements with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and protect the Foundation's credibility.
- Proactively align policies with shifts in the global philanthropic landscape to maintain trust and safeguard operations.
- Institutional Ethics and Conduct
- Serve as the Chief Ethics Officer, maintaining the integrity of the Foundation’s internal and external conduct.
- Implement frameworks on ethics and conduct, including policies on conflict of interest and anti-corruption.
- Promote an ethical, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture through training 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 position the WHO Foundation as a leader in ethical philanthropy.
- Foster a governance and ethics architecture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and trust in complex environments.
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 risk-related disciplines.
- Experience supporting or collaborating with Boards of Directors and senior leadership teams.
- Strong understanding of global compliance and risk environments; experience managing ethics policies and integrity processes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams, cultures, and geographies.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Committed to ethical conduct and the Foundation’s mission; adaptable and proactive in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit setting with ample opportunities for growth and learning.
- A collaborative workplace that values diversity within a truly global team.
- An agile, fast-paced, and flexible working environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Type of Contract: Permanent
- Location: Remote or based in Geneva
- Working Rate: 100%
- Estimated Start Date: ASAP
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
The WHO Foundation is committed to equity in all its endeavors and is dedicated to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We evaluate all employment opportunities 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.