Executive Director

Position description

Hosted by the World Health Organization, Unitaid plays a catalytic role in global health by accelerating the introduction and adoption of transformative health products. Its focus spans HIV and co-infections, tuberculosis, malaria, and women’s and children’s health, with an expanded mandate to respond to global health emergencies and cross-cutting innovations to strengthen primary health care level. Unitaid also now plays a pioneering role in access to oxygen, regional production, and climate and health issues, thereby strengthening countries ‘s health system.

Unitaid creates systemic conditions for sustainable and equitable access and aims to foster inclusive and demand-driven partnerships for innovation. It designs and invests in innovative approaches to make quality health products available and affordable in low and middle-income countries. It promotes collective efforts with partners, countries, and communities, unlocking access to the tools, services, and care that can deliver the best results, improve health, and address global health priorities.

Unitaid acts as a pathfinder, investor, and influencer, aiming to scale 30 essential innovations by 2030 to accelerate progress toward global health goals.

In a context where global health is facing severe financial constraints, Unitaid’s role in access to innovation is more critical than ever as countries seek to find efficiencies and extract maximum value from investments in public health

Unitaid is now appointing its next Executive Director at a critical moment for global health.

Reporting to the executive board, the Executive Director is responsible for providing overall strategic leadership to the organisation and ensuring that Unitaid remains focused, credible and influential. The role combines strategic direction, oversight of complex investment decisions, governance and integrity, and high-level external representation.

The Executive Director leads the Unitaid secretariat, ensures sound financial stewardship and risk management, and builds strong partnerships with WHO, governments, donors, multilateral institutions, civil society and affected communities. The role requires political judgement, authority and the ability to operate confidently at the most senior international level.

Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field, at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial time in senior or executive leadership roles, and a strong background in global health or international development. Proven experience working with governments, donors and multilateral organisations is essential. Fluency in English and basic knowledge of French are required.

The position is offered at D2 level under WHO conditions, with a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Application instructions

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