Head of Special projects

ABOUT US

The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, was created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO. Its mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnership to advance the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling catalytic impact on the people whose lives rely on WHO’s work and facilitating innovation to maximize the impact of the resources we invest.

WHO plays a singular role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first-responder to health crises — including the current conflict in Ukraine and on behalf of the 15+ million people in urgent need of aid in Horn of Africa; producing technical guidelines and tools to prevent and treat disease; and acting as a country-level convener with an unparalleled level of trust. The crises of the 21st century, including COVID-19, have made clear both the inequity of access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. Yet WHO lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate. And, beyond funding, its vision cannot be achieved by the public sector alone.

The WHO Foundation was therefore created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO to marshal new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support its mission: promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, while protecting the neutrality and independence of WHO as the world’s leading health authority. WHOF is a nexus for unique opportunities in global health, facilitating game-changing opportunities between the private sector and WHO. Our focus is on mobilizing grant income, shared value partnerships, and investment to power WHO’s work.

PURPOSE

The Head of Special Projects will be responsible for identifying and creating innovative fundable opportunities that have a high impact on health equity. This role has a keen eye for the health landscape, derives insights from social and geo-political trends across the world, and takes a strategic idea through to execution.

The Head of Special Projects will also play a pivotal role in driving the Foundation’s performance by coordinating between various functional leaders to help align efforts with the Foundation’s vision. They will support the CEO in creating and presenting a clear point of view aligned with the Foundation’s purpose and work themes. The Head of Special Projects will champion a strong Equity lens across all project ideas and proposals.

REPORTS TO

The Head of Special Projects will report directly to the CEO of the WHO Foundation in the interim (as the Special Projects Team evolves) and will also collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders on different subject matters.

ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Plans:

• Create robust plans to execute on the strategic vision along with the leadership teams to meet the Foundation's mission and goals.

• Ensure that organizational strategies are effectively communicated and implemented.

• Support the strategic influence of the CEO’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion vision and accountability across the organization alongside the People & Culture Director.

• Monitor the Foundation's progress towards key deliverables and provide the CEO with updates on progress, including challenges and opportunities.

Identify Big Bet Opportunities:

• Conduct thorough analyses of current and future trends to identify transformative opportunities.

• Evaluate potential projects for strategic alignment, impact potential, and feasibility.

• Develop business cases and strategic plans for high-impact initiatives.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to refine and validate big bet ideas and opportunities in the space of health.

• Present identified opportunities to the CEO and senior leadership for consideration and approval.

Support in Strengthening WHO and Donor Relationships:

• Work with the CEO to develop and implement strategies to enhance collaboration and partnership with WHO.

• Coordinate and facilitate high-level meetings, discussions, and joint initiatives with WHO representatives.

• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for the CEO's engagements with WHO.

• In partnership with Strategy and Impact teams, stay informed on WHO priorities, policies, and initiatives to identify areas for potential collaboration.

• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to ensure the CEO’s time is prioritized in the best way possible, aligning with causes, strengthening donor relationships, and creating brand visibility and trust.

Communication and Liaison:

• Act as a primary point of contact between the executive and internal/external stakeholders.

• Facilitate effective communication within the Foundation and with external partners.

• Receive visitors, organize, and attend meetings or events on the CEO's behalf.

• Oversee draft correspondence, briefing notes, talking points and reports for the CEO's signature or clearance.

Decision Support:

• Gather and analyze data to provide insights for informed decision-making.

• Assist the executive in making strategic decisions that align with Foundation objectives.

• Apply creative problem-solving with calculated risks and analysis across Foundation.

Project Management:

• Oversee special projects or initiatives on behalf of the executive.

Board Relations:

• Support the CEO in managing the relationship with the board of directors.

• Support board meetings, prepare materials, and facilitate communication.

PROFILE

• 5 years of relevant experience in the Global Health Fundraising sector with deep research and consulting experience in global setups.

• Past experience in a country from the Global South is an advantage.

• Significant experience in strategy, analysis, project management, and execution.

• Strong data analysis, business modeling, and scenario planning skills.

• Expertise in managing and evolving multiple stakeholder partnerships.

• High impact communicator - communicate in a focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention and stimulates others’ thinking and actions.

• Strong judgment and comfortable serving as a strategic advisor and influencer.

• Experience working in politically complex situations.

• Capacity to build relationships with a diverse set of individuals and organizations.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, partnerships, and external relations.

• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with proven leadership experience in a multicultural and collaborative environment.

• Outstanding communication and negotiating abilities, with the capacity to interact with a wide range of stakeholders.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment with appealing growth and learning opportunities.

• A collaborative workplace within a truly global team.

• An agile, fast-moving and flexible environment.

• Potential to leverage a multinational name and organization in the form of WHO.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Type of contract: Permanent

• Location: Geneva (relocation needed)

• Working rate: 100%

• Estimated start date: ASAP

• Application deadline: 20.08.2024

This is a rolling process; applications will be reviewed as they arrive.
The WHO Foundation puts equity at the center of all its work and is committed to building, fostering, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based upon individual qualifications, regardless of gender, color, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural & religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.