Organization: World Health Organization (WHO) Position: National Programme Consultant (NPO / SSA Level) Program: Communicable Diseases / Health Systems Strengthening Location: Multiple Duty Stations (Country-Specific: e.g., India, Nigeria, Philippines, Kenya, etc.) Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) or National Consultant Monthly Remuneration: Competitive (Based on local UN Salary Scale, typically NO-B or NO-C equivalent) Closing Date: Rolling Intake for 2026 Projects
The World Health Organization (WHO) is reinforcing its country-level operations for 2026 and is actively seeking National Programme Consultants to drive public health initiatives on the ground.
As a National Consultant, you are the critical link between global health strategies and local implementation. You will work within your own country, using your deep knowledge of the local health system, culture, and government structure to ensure that WHO programs—from vaccination drives to health policy reforms—actually reach the people who need them.
If you are a public health professional with a strong network in your Ministry of Health and a passion for serving your community, this is your opportunity to wear the WHO badge.
Also check WHO Vacancy 2026: Strengthening Regulatory Systems & Medical Access (Cambodia)
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
In 2026, WHO is shifting more power and resources to its Country Offices. The National Programme Consultant is a specialized role designed for local experts.
Unlike international staff who rotate every few years, National Consultants provide the long-term institutional memory and local context that WHO needs. You will likely be assigned to a specific technical unit, such as Tuberculosis (TB), Maternal & Child Health, Emergency Preparedness, or Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Why “National”? These roles are strictly open only to nationals of the country where the position is based. This ensures that WHO builds local capacity and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Your role is 50% technical expertise and 50% diplomacy.
- Programme Implementation:
- Coordinate the rollout of WHO technical guidelines at the district and provincial levels.
- Monitor “Key Performance Indicators” (KPIs) for health programs (e.g., “Increase vaccine coverage in Region X by 10%”).
- Government Liaison:
- Act as the primary focal point between WHO and the Ministry of Health (MoH).
- Advise government officials on adopting WHO standards into national policy.
- Surveillance & Data:
- Collect and analyze local epidemiological data to identify disease outbreaks early.
- Prepare “Situation Reports” (SitReps) for the Country Representative (WR).
- Capacity Building:
- Train local health workers and district officers on new protocols and clinical guidelines.
Qualifications
WHO seeks candidates who are respected in their local medical/public health community.
Join the World Health Organization: National Programme Consultant (2026)
Education
- Essential: University Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, or Social Sciences.
- Desirable: Master’s Degree (MPH) or specialized training in Epidemiology/Health Management.
Experience
- Mid-Level: At least 2 to 5 years of professional experience in public health planning and implementation.
- Local Experience: Prior experience working with the Ministry of Health, local NGOs, or UN agencies in your country is critical.
Skills & Competencies
- Language: Expert fluency in English and the Local Language (e.g., Hindi, Swahili, Tagalog, French) is mandatory.
- Tech: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and data collection tools (ODK, DHIS2).
- Diplomacy: Ability to navigate complex government hierarchies with respect and tact.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Prestigious Career Track A “National Consultant” contract is often the gateway to becoming a fixed-term National Professional Officer (NPO), one of the most secure and respected positions in the UN system.
2. Competitive Local Pay While you are paid in local currency, WHO consultant rates are typically pegged to the UN National Officer Salary Scale, which is often significantly higher than local government or private sector salaries. Remuneration is usually tax-exempt (depending on local laws).
3. Global Network You gain access to WHO’s global learning platforms (OpenWHO), mentorship from international experts, and the chance to attend regional workshops.
Application Tips & Insights
1. The “Stellis” System All WHO applications go through Stellis, their online portal. It is notorious for being detailed.
- Tip: Do not write “See CV” in the experience boxes. Copy-paste your duties into the Stellis form. The automated screener only reads the form, not the attached PDF.
2. Competency-Based Interviews WHO interviews are strict. They will ask questions like: “Tell us about a time you had to convince a skeptical government official to change their mind.” Prepare your answers using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
3. Network Locally Often, these roles are advertised locally before they hit the global site. Follow the WHO Country Office social media pages (Twitter/Facebook) for your specific country.
How to Apply
- Visit the Portal: Go to the WHO Careers Site.
- Filter:
- Location: Select your country.
- Contract Type: Select “Contractual Arrangement” or “National Professional Officer.”
- Search Keywords: “National Consultant,” “NPO,” “Programme Officer,” or “Technical Officer.”
- Create Profile: Set up your Stellis profile now so you are ready to apply when a vacancy drops.
Note: Recruitment for 2026 programs typically ramps up in late 2025 (October-December) as budgets are approved. Set your job alerts today.
Suggested Focus Keywords
WHO National Consultant Jobs, Public Health Careers 2026, National Professional Officer WHO, Ministry of Health Liaison Jobs, UN Local Recruitment, Epidemiology Consultant Jobs
