WHO Program Officer (Research & Medical Countermeasures) 2026: UN Volunteer Opportunity Supporting Global Health Emergencies
Explore the WHO Program Officer (Research & Medical Countermeasures) UN Volunteer opportunity, including eligibility, responsibilities, required qualifications, and how to apply before 7 August 2026.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for a Program Officer (Research and Medical Countermeasures) position under the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. This opportunity is ideal for early-career public health professionals interested in outbreak preparedness, vaccine research, infectious diseases, and emergency response.
Working within WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, the successful candidate will help strengthen regional research preparedness and support the implementation of medical countermeasures for emerging infectious diseases. The position offers an opportunity to collaborate with international experts, research institutions, governments, and global health partners while contributing to public health preparedness across the African Region.
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026
About the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for promoting global health, preventing disease, and responding to public health emergencies. Through its Health Emergencies Programme, WHO works with Member States and partners to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, outbreak response, research, and access to vaccines and other medical countermeasures.
Professionals working with WHO contribute to evidence-based policies and programmes that improve health outcomes worldwide.
About the Program Officer Role
The Program Officer will provide technical and operational support to WHO’s Research, Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures team.
A major focus of the role is supporting research preparedness and medical countermeasure activities related to Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) while also contributing to preparedness for other epidemic-prone diseases, including:
- Ebola virus disease
- Marburg virus disease
- Mpox
- Cholera
- Influenza
- Other emerging public health threats
The role combines research coordination, programme implementation, technical collaboration, knowledge management, and partner engagement.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support a broad range of regional activities, including:
- Coordinating research preparedness initiatives
- Supporting vaccine and medical countermeasure readiness
- Assisting with implementation of regional research agendas
- Developing technical guidance, protocols, and operational tools
- Supporting clinical research preparedness
- Monitoring programme implementation and research activities
- Coordinating technical working groups and partner meetings
- Preparing scientific reports, briefing notes, and presentations
- Supporting evidence generation and policy development
- Working closely with WHO headquarters, research institutions, governments, Africa CDC, donors, and development partners
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may suit professionals with backgrounds in:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Biological Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
Applicants should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in areas such as:
- Disease surveillance
- Outbreak response
- Clinical research
- Vaccine programmes
- Public health emergencies
- Epidemiology
- Humanitarian or emergency response
Experience working with international organizations or Ministries of Health is considered an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
WHO is seeking candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Knowledge of infectious diseases and epidemiology
- Excellent technical writing abilities
- Experience preparing reports and scientific summaries
- Project coordination and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams
- Strong communication and partnership-building skills
- Ability to work under pressure during emergency responses
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of French is considered an asset.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Working as a WHO Program Officer offers valuable international experience within one of the world’s leading public health organizations.
The position provides opportunities to:
- Support global health emergency preparedness
- Contribute to vaccine and research initiatives
- Collaborate with international experts
- Build experience in outbreak response
- Strengthen technical and policy development skills
- Expand professional networks across the global health sector
Application Tips
To strengthen your application:
- Highlight experience in epidemiology, research, or outbreak response.
- Demonstrate your ability to coordinate projects and partnerships.
- Emphasize technical writing and analytical skills.
- Showcase experience working in multidisciplinary or international environments.
- Tailor your CV to match WHO’s competency requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official WHO Careers portal before the closing date.
Official vacancy:
https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2603029&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00&tzname=Africa%2FJohannesburg
Closing Date: 7 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant health-related field and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. The opportunity is offered as a full-time United Nations Volunteer assignment with a 12-month contract.
What areas will the Program Officer support?
The role focuses on research preparedness, vaccines, medical countermeasures, outbreak response, and evidence generation for emerging infectious diseases.
Is previous outbreak response experience required?
Previous experience supporting outbreak investigations, emergency response operations, or public health activities is considered essential.
Explore More WHO Careers
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Disclaimer
ResearchJobsHub is an independent careers information platform and is not affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO). Applicants should verify all vacancy information and submit applications through the official WHO Careers website.
