Director Strategic Engagement

About Us

The WHO Foundation (WHOF), established in May 2020 and based in Geneva, operates as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO). Our mission focuses on mobilizing greater private capital and fostering partnerships to enhance WHO’s efforts, thereby creating significant impact for those reliant on its work and driving innovation to optimize resource utilization.

WHO serves as a key leader in the global health landscape, responding to health crises, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa. It produces essential technical guidelines, tools for disease prevention, and acts as a trusted intermediary at country-level initiatives. The 21st century has exposed healthcare access inequities and highlighted WHO's important role; however, adequate resources are necessary for fulfilling its critical mandate.

Purpose

The appointed individual will guide a team of Heads of Strategic Engagement, ensuring they operate effectively within the WHO’s institutional framework while advancing the Foundation’s strategic partnership with WHO. The objective is to transition the Foundation’s interaction with WHO from technical embedding to a proactive partnership model that enhances collaboration and resource mobilization.

The role involves empowering the Heads of Strategic Engagement, fostering an environment that promotes strategic alignment across programs, identifying promising initiatives, and bridging connections between WHO and the Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

• Institutional Engagement within WHO: Serve as the lead for engagement with WHO Program ADGs and senior leadership, while managing internal dynamics and aligning WHO priorities with Foundation strategies.
• Portfolio Enablement & Strategic Coordination: Act as a leader among Heads of Strategic Engagement, ensuring coherence across thematic portfolios and facilitating dialogue among teams for integrated approaches.
• Strategic Opportunity Development & Select Portfolio Leadership: Identify and guide emerging strategic opportunities within WHO, directly managing key thematic areas and building relationships with senior WHO leaders.
• Strategic Support to Resource Mobilization: Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and engage with key donors and partners to strengthen institutional credibility and support funding negotiations.
• Organizational Leadership & Systems Strengthening: Build a high-performing Strategic Engagement function that fosters collaboration and ensures effective knowledge sharing across portfolios.

Profile and Competencies

Experience

• Extensive senior-level experience in global health, international development, or philanthropic organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with executive leadership and navigate the complexities of WHO's governance and institutional dynamics.
• Proven track record in relationship management and developing strategic partnerships.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and handling complex portfolios.

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to shape long-term direction and align strategies with organizational priorities.
• Institutional Relationship Management: Capacity to build and sustain trusted relationships at senior levels within multilateral environments.
• Diplomacy & Political Acumen: Strong judgment in navigating institutional dynamics and stakeholder interests.
• Catalytic Opportunity Development: Identifying and advancing investment opportunities that foster strategic partnerships.
• Executive Communication: Exceptional ability to convey complex content in a clear narrative for senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to align diverse teams toward shared objectives.
• Team Enablement & Coaching: Empowering senior members and fostering mutual support within the team.
• Adaptive Leadership: Comfort in evolving environments and responding to ambiguity.

What We Offer

• Meaningful work in a dynamic non-profit setting.
• A collaborative atmosphere within a multicultural team.
• An agile and flexible work environment.

Additional Information

• Type of contract: Permanent contract
• Location: Geneva with remote work flexibility
• Working rate: 100%

The WHO Foundation is dedicated to equity in all endeavors and promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Opportunities for employment and advancement are based solely on qualifications, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds to engage with us.