Head of Special Projects / Head of Special Projects

ABOUT US

The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, was established as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but separate from WHO. Our mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnerships to advance the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mandate, creating a catalytic impact on the lives of those who depend on WHO’s efforts and fostering innovation to maximize the resources we invest.

WHO plays a pivotal role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first responder to health crises, including cross-border conflicts and outbreaks in underserved communities and regions. It produces essential technical guidelines and tools for disease prevention and treatment while serving as a trusted convener at the country level. The crises of the 21st century, notably COVID-19, have highlighted both the inequities in access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. However, WHO currently lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its expansive mandate, and its vision cannot rely solely on public sector funding.

Consequently, the WHO Foundation was formed as an independent Swiss foundation dedicated to mobilizing new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals. Our aim is to support the mission of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable, all while maintaining the neutrality and independence of WHO as the leading global health authority. WHOF serves as a nexus for unique opportunities in global health, facilitating transformative partnerships between the private sector and WHO. Our primary focus is on mobilizing grant income, shared value partnerships, and investments to drive WHO’s vital work.

PURPOSE

The Head of Special Projects will act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the CEO, leading high-priority initiatives across the Foundation. This role operates at the intersection of strategy, project management, and executive support, providing analytical insights, cross-functional coordination, and thought partnership to advance the Foundation’s global mission.

This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic professional with exceptional analytical skills, political acumen, and a passion for global health to influence strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.

REPORTS TO

The Head of Special Projects 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 Project Management:

• Lead special projects that have a strategic impact through collaboration across different functions and coordination with multiple leaders and stakeholders, including those from WHO.
• Create robust plans to execute the strategic vision alongside leadership teams to meet the Foundation's objectives.
• Monitor the Foundation's progress towards key deliverables, providing the CEO with updates on advancements, challenges, and opportunities.
• Develop business cases and strategic plans for high-impact initiatives.

Support in Strengthening WHO and Donor Relationships:

• Coordinate and facilitate high-level meetings, discussions, and joint initiatives with WHO representatives.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for the CEO's engagements with WHO.
• In partnership with Strategic Engagement teams, stay informed on WHO's priorities, policies, and initiatives to identify potential collaboration areas.

Communication and Liaison:

• Serve as a key point of contact between the executive and internal/external stakeholders.
• Facilitate effective communication within the Foundation and with external partners.
• Draft correspondence, briefing notes, talking points, and reports for the CEO's signature or clearance.

Decision Support:

• Gather and analyze data to provide insights for informed decision-making.
• Analyze data and trends to support strategic decisions aligning with Foundation objectives.
• Apply creative problem-solving, incorporating calculated risks and analysis across the Foundation.

Project Management:

• Oversee special projects or initiatives on behalf of the executive management team.

PROFILE

• 5 years of relevant experience in the Global Health Fundraising sector, with deep research and consulting expertise in global contexts.
• Past experience in a country within the Global South is advantageous.
• Significant experience in strategy, analysis, project management, and execution.
• Strong data analysis, business modeling, and scenario planning skills.
• Expertise in managing and developing multiple stakeholder partnerships.
• High-impact communicator with the ability to engage diverse audiences and stimulate thoughtful dialogue and action.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, partnerships, and external relations.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with proven leadership experience in multicultural and collaborative environments.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities, with the capacity to interact effectively with various stakeholders.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment, with appealing growth and learning opportunities.
• A collaborative workplace within a truly global team.
• An agile, fast-moving, and flexible environment.
• Potential to leverage a multinational name and organization through WHO.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Type of contract: Permanent
• Location: Geneva (relocation required)
• 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 places equity at the center of all its activities and is dedicated to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based on individual qualifications without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural and religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.