Scientist

* 27 August 2026

* 100%

* Permanent position

* Geneva

Job Description - Scientist (2601641)

Scientist - (2601641)

Grade: P4

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 2 years

: Aug 26, 2026, 9:11:40 AM

: Sep 16, 2026, 9:59:00 PM

: Switzerland-Geneva

: HQ/NFA Nutrition and Food Safety Action

: Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The vision of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) is to advance health for all by anticipating change and integrating promotion, prevention and care across all health and disease areas to address today's greatest health burdens and tomorrow's challenges.Within the PPC Division, the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) aims to address the burden of unhealthy diets, malnutrition and foodborne diseases, by providing guidelines, integrated services, and technical support, embedding nutrition and food safety into health, economic,and environmental agendas, and promoting access to knowledge and care for everyone.The Nutrition and Food Safety Action Unit (NFA) drives the implementation of proven nutrition and food safety actions to reach all populations.

It develops implementation guidance, tools, and partnerships to accelerate national efforts through targeted initiatives-such as those to stop obesity, eliminate industrial transfats, address wasting, and improve multisectoral collaboration for food safety.

NFA focuses on maternal and child nutrition, acute malnutrition, fortification,and healthier and sustainable food environments. The unit also hosts the INFOSAN network, which connects over 800 food authorities across 194 countriesto strengthen global food safety collaboration and response.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Engage with partner organizations to harmonize policies and programmes and assure full support and implementation of WHO guidance related to CMN.

In collaboration with the WHO Regional Advisors, provide scientific, technical, and policy advice to Member States for the establishment of policies and programmes aimed at improving CMN through screening and lifestyle interventions as companions of the medical treatment of diet-related cardiometabolic diseases.

Coordinating with relevant stakeholders the development of scientific guidance and tools for the assessment, monitoring, and implementation of national intersectoral and inter-programmatic policies, plans and programs to improve CMN.

Coordinate the development of advocacy materials, training curricula, and other implementation tools to increase the coverage and quality of nutrition actions for CMN interventions globally.

Ensure the timely periodic reporting to Senior Management, other UN Partners and Member States on CMN policy adoption, programme implementation, and obesity rates.

Collaborate with the community of practice to create a peer-to-peer network and discuss implementation issues.

Support the development of capacity building initiatives in the health system to deliver specific management services (WHO Academy Course, training for primary care physicians).

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree (Master's level degree) in nutrition, internal medicine, public health, epidemiology or related field relevant to the functions to the position.

Desirable: Additional postgraduate training in public health or public policies.

Experience

Essential

At least 7 years' experience in public health nutrition, epidemiology or medical practice, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases, of which at least 4 years of relevant exposure at the international level.

Proven record of development of scientific documents and policy briefs within the scope of this position.

Desirable

Experience in evaluating and translating science into policymaking.

Previous experience at the country level in policy and strategy development.

Working experience in WHO or other UN agency is an asset.

Skills

Knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of cardiometabolic nutrition.

Knowledge of public health programs to improve the care of persons with diet-related non-communicable diseases, including obesity.

Initiative, tact, a high sense of responsibility, and ability to communicate and collaborate harmoniously with people of varied national and cultural backgrounds, both within and outside WHO.

Ability to work as part of a team.

WHO Competencies

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars.

The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 6043 per month for the duty station indicated above.

Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to E-Mail schreiben with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.