Head of Special Projects / Head of Special Projects

ABOUT US

The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched 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 focuses on mobilizing greater private capital and partnerships to advance WHO’s objectives, ensuring a catalytic impact on those who rely on its work while facilitating innovation to maximize the efficiency of our investments.

WHO plays an unparalleled role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first-responder to health crises including cross-border conflicts and outbreaks in underserved communities. It produces technical guidelines and tools for disease prevention and treatment and serves as a trusted convener at the country level. The crises of the 21st century, such as COVID-19, have highlighted the stark inequities in access to effective and affordable healthcare and reinforced WHO’s essential role. Unfortunately, WHO lacks sufficient resources to fully realize its mandate, and its vision cannot be achieved through public sector funding alone.

Thus, the WHO Foundation was established to mobilize new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support WHO's mission: to promote health, ensure global safety, and serve vulnerable populations, all while maintaining the neutrality and independence of WHO as the leading health authority. WHOF serves as a nexus for transformative opportunities in global health, facilitating groundbreaking collaborations between the private sector and WHO. Our focus remains on attracting grant income, shared value partnerships, and investments to empower WHO’s initiatives.

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 leadership to advance the Foundation’s global mission.

This position offers a unique opportunity for a dynamic professional with exceptional analytical prowess, 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 topics.

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 in partnership with leadership teams to meet the Foundation's goals.
• Monitor the Foundation's progress towards key deliverables and provide updates to the CEO, highlighting any 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 collaboration with Strategic Engagement teams, stay informed on WHO priorities and initiatives to identify potential collaboration areas.

Communication and Liaison:

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

Decision Support:

• Gather and analyze data to provide insights that support informed decision-making.
• Analyze data and trends to assist strategic decisions that align with Foundation objectives.
• Utilize creative problem-solving to assess risks and formulate strategies 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 substantial research and consulting experience in global contexts.
• Experience in a Global South country is advantageous.
• Extensive experience in strategy, analysis, project management, and execution.
• Strong skills in data analysis, business modeling, and scenario planning.
• Proven expertise in managing and evolving multiple stakeholder partnerships.
• Exceptional communication abilities that engage and motivate others.
• Capacity to cultivate relationships with a diverse array of individuals and organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, partnerships, and external relations.
• Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with proven leadership in multicultural environments.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills, adaptable across a range of stakeholders.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Engaging work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit climate with promising growth and learning opportunities.
• A collaborative workplace within a truly global team.
• An agile, fast-moving, and flexible environment.
• Opportunity to leverage the multinational reputation of 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 prioritizes equity in all of its operations and is dedicated to cultivating, fostering, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based upon individual qualifications, irrespective of 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.