WHO's Staff Categories: Your Guide to Finding the Right Fit

Navigating the WHO staff and job categories can feel like deciphering a secret code: What exactly do those staff categories mean, and which one fits your profile?

If you've found yourself repeatedly passed over for shortlisting despite meeting the educational and technical criteria, you're not alone in your frustration. Many applicants stumble over the requirement of "international experience" for roles find themselves indeed suitable for. While it may seem like a given in our interconnected world, WHO's definition of international experience may differ from what you expect. Working solely within your home country, even in a diverse workplace, might not qualify as international experience in the context of global health or other technical fields.

But fear not—this doesn't mean a career with WHO is out of reach for you. It simply means adjusting your focus to positions without strict international requirements.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the three staff categories: International Professional (P), National Professional Officer (NO), and General Service (G). Each category serves a specific purpose, whether you're a healthcare professional or an expert in an "enabling function." So, let's solve the mystery and find the right fit for you.

International Professional staff

As per WHO’s own definition:

International Professional staff

Our internationally recruited staff serve in health technical, operational, managerial and leadership roles, across the world. They are committed to mobility and are employed to work according to their expertise and WHO’s programmatic needs.

These positions, ranging from P1 to P6 (including D1 and D2 levels), each have distinct requirements. For instance, a P2 role you need a relevant bachelor's degree and about two years of relevant experience, including international experience, as stated in the vacancy notice. On the other hand, a P5 position, representing a senior level, typically requires a relevant Master's degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Detailed specifications for each category are available on WHO's website Careers at WHO: Staff appointments

It's important to note that the requirements may differ from those of other UN organizations. As a specialized agency in global health, WHO has tailored its educational and experiential prerequisites to each level's specific expertise. Therefore, carefully review the vacancy notice for precise requirements, as there are no exceptions unless you are already a WHO staff member with proven experience and performance.

For international professional positions, applying within your home country is generally not possible unless the duty station is a Regional Office or a Headquarters duty station. This may seem a bit perplexing, but for WHO country offices, international professionals are represented by nationalities other than the country where the office is located. For more information on WHO's organizational structure, including Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices, visit the WHO website. WHO Organizational structure

As the category title suggests, the International Professional category falls under WHO's agile workforce mobility program. Consequently, professionals in this category are expected to broaden their technical expertise by relocating to new locations after an extended period in the same duty station. Obviously, WHO will look to reasonably accommodate your needs and specific technical fields, however, you need to take the mobility aspect into consideration for your longer-term career planning.

Often overlooked within the international professional category at WHO are roles beyond direct health intervention. These include Human Resources, Procurement, Finance, Quality Assurance, Communication, and other enabling functions. Personally, as a Human Resources professional, I'm proof that you don't need to be a health expert to make a meaningful impact and contribute to #HealthForAll. Let's not forget—the organization's success relies on a diverse pool of talents supporting health experts. So, I definitely encourage anyone with specific expertise in other technical areas to explore these valuable opportunities too!

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National Professional staff

As per WHO’s own definition:

National Professional Officer

Our National Professional Officers are professional level staff, often employed for their local knowledge and expertise in the country of their nationality. They work in diverse areas across the world and fulfill a wide range of responsibilities.

As you may have gathered from the description above, these national professional officer positions still require specialized expertise but are focused on the national context, meaning international experience is not a prerequisite. This category is tailored for individuals who possess a university degree and the necessary technical skills at a national level. Additionally, applicants must be nationals of the country where the position is located. For instance, if you hold a university degree and have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, you are eligible to apply for positions up to NO-C level. If you have only one year of relevant experience, consider NO-A category positions. Be sure to review the specific requirements of each position. In these roles, you will often play a pivotal role in shaping health policies and fostering collaborations with key national stakeholders. There are many locations worldwide with WHO offices, who offers these opportunities. To explore current national professional officer openings in your country, simply visit the WHO career portal and browse by location. Make it a habit to check back regularly to stay updated on new vacancies as they arise. Your next career adventure could be just a click away! Job Search (who.int)

General Service Category

As per WHO’s own definition:

General Services staff

Our programmes and professional staff are supported by local residents or nationals, employed in the general service staff category. They are essential for our success, have a wide range of skills and are valued by our teams across the organization.

I must admit that the description above lacks detail, offering little insight beyond the significance of organizational success. However, I'm keen to shine a light on and celebrate this staff category for the excellent opportunities it presents in terms of work-life balance, stability, and the potential for a lifelong career in your home country. While this category may not be for the health experts, there are numerous positions available in enabling functions. My own journey into the UN began in 2008 within this category, where I spent many years exploring various aspects of HR, gaining invaluable UN-specific experience, and striking a balance that suited my family life. This path provided both stability and the opportunity to strengthen my HR skills.

Interestingly, I stumbled upon a job vacancy at UNDP by chance back in 2008—it wasn't something I actively sought out, as I wasn't aware of the opportunities available to me in HR within the UN system. Additionally, when initially reading the job description, I encountered numerous insane acronyms and sections that seemed like gibberish. While job descriptions have improved somewhat over the years, there's still room for improvement, and they can be intimidating for individuals unfamiliar with the UN system. My advice? Adopt a "Pippi Longstocking" approach: "I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that!" Behind the acronyms and new terminologies, your skills and expertise will empower you to make swift and meaningful contributions, facilitating the work of experts in no time!

In this category, a university degree is not required; however, secondary education suffices. What's crucial is a wealth of experience. For instance, a G5 Assistant role demands a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. The specifics of relevant experience are outlined in the requirements of each vacancy. Generally, you can find the basic experience requirements listed here: Careers at WHO: Staff appointments . General Service level positions are typically enabling functions such as ICT, Procurement, Communication, HR, Finance, and more. It's essential to reside within commuting distance of the duty station and hold legal residence in the country at the time of application. Therefore, applying for a general service position in Copenhagen necessitates residing in Denmark with the appropriate residence permits. If you don’t meet this essential, look for a general service category position in your home country/where you have legal residence and live within commuting distance to the office. Search by location on the WHO career portal again for latest opportunities Job Search (who.int)

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Wrapping up…

In this article, we've explored the WHO's job categories, offering insights into roles beyond health expertise. Whether you're considering International Professional, National Professional Officer, or General Service positions, there's a place for diverse talents at WHO.

I trust the insights provided above have proven valuable in navigating the diverse staff categories within WHO and the broader UN system. Opportunities are indeed out there, but often hidden to those whose expertise lies beyond the organization's specific mandate. Yet, with proactive search, these roles will appear!

Looking back on my time in the UN since 2008, and especially at WHO since 2018, I can honestly say it's been an incredible experience. Being part of such an important mission keeps me motivated and working alongside amazing colleagues has really broadened my horizons. My journey as a Human Resources professional reflects the rewarding opportunities available beyond traditional health roles. So, don't hesitate to explore these valuable opportunities and join us in contributing to #HealthForAll. Your next career adventure could be closer than you think!

As you embark on your WHO application journey, I wish you great success, and perhaps our paths will cross sooner than expected.

All the best

Tina