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WHO JPO - Technical Officer (Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Health)
Better Than Cash
IT
Copenhagen, Denmark
Posted on Apr 7, 2026
IMPORTANT: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to NATIONALS OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES from the Nedworc Foundation List: eligible-countries-DC-JPOs.pdf
For the minimum qualification requirements see the website of Nedworc Foundation: Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc Foundation
Maximum age limit is 32 years as of 31 December of the year of application.
Background information on Agency/Department/Section
The Division of Health Systems (DHS) supports countries in developing resilient, people-centred health systems that ensure people can access the right care in the right place and at the right time without financial hardship, across all life stages. It provides policy guidance and technical support on health financing, workforce, mental health, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health, and access to medicines. The Division supports countries to develop and implement sound, evidence-informed health policies across all stages of life including the promotion and protection of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
DHS further strengthens engagement across sectors and partners to support implementation across the life course and provides strategic and technical leadership throughout the public health policy cycle - from development to implementation - linking health promotion and prevention with service delivery, particularly through Primary Health Care. It advances equity, gender equality and human rights and supports countries in developing policies and practices that are evidence-based, people-centred and responsive to social determinants of health.
Training component: Learning elements and expectations
- A good understanding of the situation with Maternal and Newborn Health in the European Region, and how it links to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
- Map the implementation of key interventions, particularly in countries with high maternal and newborn mortality, as well as in other target countries.
- Work with the WHO team and partner agencies (UNFPA, UNICEF, World Bank, USAID, UNAIDS, UN Women), to advance the maternal and newborn components of the issues-based coalition work plan while promoting a comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Assist in the improvement of quality of care for women and newborns in first level health facilities, advanced maternal and newborn care, and in the development of referral pathways, ensuring integration with broader sexual and reproductive health services and rights-based care models.
- Assist in implementing Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), supportive supervision and facilitate corrective action, while strengthening linkages with sexual and reproductive health services and rights-based accountability frameworks.
- Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Sexual Health and Rights, and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in line with WHO’s norms and standards
The JPO training programme includes the following learning elements:
- Familiarize with the functioning of WHO/EURO and CPS/PGH
- Acquire knowledge about sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health in EURO and countries, and how SRMNH fits into the context of UHC
- Understand the mandate, functioning and scope of WHO at HQ, Regional and Country Level
- Contribute to the SRH technical work on developing and applying methods and tools to improve the care of mothers and neonates
- Assist in the provision of technical support to countries in conducting surveys, collecting data and analysing results.
- Develop leadership and management skills
The JPO position includes a Duty travel and training allowance (DTTA) of $ 4.000 per year which may be used for learning activities related to the assignment and career development.
Content and methodology of supervision
The work objectives and the expected outcome are discussed and agreed upon by the JPO and supervisor within the first four weeks of assignment. They are evaluated every six months by the supervisor against WHO's Performance Management and Development System (ePMDS+). There will be regular meetings with the supervisor throughout the assignment. In the regular meetings progress is evaluated, challenges are discussed, and plans are finalized together. Learning activities and developmental opportunities form part of the ePMDS+.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall and direct supervision of the Director of the Division of Health Systems, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will contribute to WHO’s work in the area of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Youth Health (SRMNCAH), notably on advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) across the life course in the WHO European Region. This will include a particular focus on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Specifically, the JPO will:
- Support the assessment of the current SRMNCAH situation in countries of the WHO European Region, including the status of policies, services and access related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, including adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights;
- Review the implementation status of key maternal and newborn health interventions and assess the quality of care provided to women and newborns, within the broader context of sexual and reproductive health services, rights-based approaches and gender-responsive care;
- Support Member States in adopting and adapting evidence-based interventions aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, while strengthening comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including those addressing the needs and rights of adolescents and young people, and in line with Second European Programme of Work and the child and adolescent health strategy adopted at the 75th session of the Regional Committee for Europe.
Under the overall and direct supervision of the Director of the Division of Health Systems, the JPO will:
- Contribute to the development of standards, implementation interventions and indicators to improve the quality of reproductive, maternal and newborn care, while ensuring alignment with international standards and WHO guidance on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), including adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights;
- Monitor and track progress related to sexual and reproductive rights, access to sexual health services, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes;
- Analyze information from Member States and implementing partners with particular attention to indicators related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, reproductive autonomy, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights;
- Prepare case studies of good practices and support the organization of subregional and regional SRMNH meetings to facilitate knowledge exchange, sharing of achievements and lessons learned, including innovations and effective approaches that strengthen Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) including adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights;
- Facilitate regular reporting on progress and challenges through online surveys and ongoing communication with national SRH focal points, including engagement with stakeholders working on reproductive rights, health promotion, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Doctor of Medicine or advanced university degree in public health or related subject.
- Desirable: Postgraduate training in obstetrics/gynaecology or neonatology.
- In exceptional cases candidates with a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 4 years relevant working experience can be considered.
- Substantive parts of the candidates’ academic training (Bachelor and/or Master) must have taken place in a developing country that appears on the list of eligible countries: eligible-countries-DC-JPOs.pdf
Working experience:
- Required: Minimum of 2 years relevant working experience after obtaining first university degree in the area of Maternal and Newborn Health and experience in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
- Minimum of 4 years relevant working experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Desirable: International work experience, in particular in low- and middle-income countries.
- Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year, including UNV, (paid) UN internship and UN consultancy.
- All paid work experience since obtaining Bachelor’s degree will/can be considered.
Languages:
- Required: Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).
- Desirable: Proficiency in another WHO official language (especially Russian)
Nationality of applicant:
This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to NATIONALS OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES from the Nedworc Foundation List: eligible-countries-DC-JPOs.pdf (Afghanistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Senegal, Iraq, Benin, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, South-Sudan, Jordan, Burundi, Sudan, Kenya, Chad, Tunisia, Lebanon, Colombia, Uganda, Mali, Democratic Rep. Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Ukraine, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Yemen, India, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories).
For the minimum qualification requirements see the website of Nedworc Foundation: Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc Foundation
Age of Applicant:
Maximum age limit is 32 years as of 31 December of the year of application.
Attachments:
- A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you are the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your educational degrees
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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