How to Work at the World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the leading global health agency, working to connect nations, people, and partners to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable—so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health.

WHO has a diverse workforce of over 7,000 people from all over the world, working in a variety of fields, including medicine, public health, administration, and more.

If you are interested in working at the WHO, there are a few things you need to know.

1. Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to work at the WHO, you must:

• Be a citizen of one of the WHO's 194 member states.
• Have the required educational qualifications and work experience for the position you are applying for.
• Be fluent in English, French, or Spanish, the WHO's three official languages.

2. Finding a job opening

The WHO advertises job openings on its website. You can also search for job openings by keyword, location, and other criteria.

3. Applying for a job

To apply for a job at the WHO, you must create an online profile and submit your application materials. This includes your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documentation required for the position.

4. The selection process

The WHO's selection process is competitive and may involve multiple stages, such as a written exam, an interview, and reference checks.

5. Types of jobs

The WHO offers a wide variety of jobs at different levels of responsibility and experience. Some of the most common types of jobs include:

• Medical professionals: Doctors, nurses, midwives, and other medical professionals work in a variety of roles at the WHO, including providing direct care to patients, conducting research, and developing public health programs.
• Public health professionals: Public health professionals work to improve the health of populations by developing and implementing public health programs. They may work in areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental health.
• Administrators: Administrators support the WHO's work in a variety of ways, such as managing finances, human resources, and information technology.
• Other professionals: The WHO also employs a variety of other professionals, such as lawyers, economists, and communications specialists.

6. Benefits of working at the WHO

There are many benefits to working at the WHO, including:

• Competitive salary and benefits: The WHO offers competitive salaries and benefits to its employees.
• Opportunity to make a difference: Working at the WHO gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in the world by improving the health of people all over the globe.
• International work environment: The WHO is a truly international organization, with employees from all over the world. This can be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.
• Professional development opportunities: The WHO offers a variety of professional development opportunities to its employees, such as training courses and conferences.

7. Tips for getting a job at the WHO

Here are a few tips for getting a job at the WHO:

• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the WHO, its work, and the specific job you are interested in.
• Tailor your application materials: Make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
• Get involved: Getting involved in public health and related activities is a great way to gain experience and make connections. You can volunteer with a local health organization or attend public health conferences and workshops.
• Network: Networking with people who work at the WHO is a great way to learn more about the organization and its job opportunities. You can attend networking events or reach out to people directly on LinkedIn.

Conclusion

Working at the WHO is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the world and improve the health of people all over the globe. If you are interested in working at the WHO, be sure to meet the eligibility requirements, find a job opening, and apply for the job. You may also want to consider getting involved in public health activities and networking with people who work at the WHO.

Additional tips

Here are a few additional tips for getting a job at the WHO:

• Be proficient in multiple languages. In addition to being fluent in English, French, or Spanish, it is also helpful to be proficient in other languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• Be willing to work in different countries. The WHO has offices all over the world, so you may be willing to relocate to a different country for a job.
• Be flexible and adaptable. The WHO's work is constantly evolving, so you need to be flexible and adaptable to change.