Description

PROFILE :
Experience or a minimum of 10 years in a leadership role required
Significant experience in strategy, analysis, project management, and execution.
Preferred knowledge of and past exposure to the Global Health sector
Strong problem solver decision-making 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.

PURPOSE :
The Chief of Staff will be a “right hand” to the CEO, supporting the range of his internal and external activities. In this role, the Chief of Staff will be expected to represent and extend the capacity of the CEO and to serve as an adviser to him. The Chief of Staff will also be integral to supporting the Executive Management Team (EMT)’s engagement with WHO and its ecosystem of partners.
Though the Chief of Staff will have no or limited line management responsibilities, they must have a track record of being a dynamic leader, able to build trust across teams and different organizational cultures, e.g., speaking the “language” of WHO as well as the WHO Foundation’s corporate and philanthropic partners. The Chief of Staff will also need to maintain trust internally at the WHO Foundation to work effectively with colleagues in all teams and functions.

Given the small size of the WHO Foundation (50-60 staff), the Chief of Staff will be tasked regularly with special projects that are time limited, of critical importance, and require engagement across the organization. This will require of the Chief of Staff strong project management skills and performance ethic, as well as the ability to “roll up their sleeves” for adept quantitative analyses, preparations of presentations and written documents.

The Chief of Staff will help the CEO and EMT allocate capacity to the most important needs of the organization even as daily management must focus on the most urgent activities. This will include, at all times, ensuring effective engagement with WHO at various levels, including with its Geneva and regional leadership. This will require strong knowledge of WHO and capable relationship management.

The Chief of Staff will champion a strong justice and equity lens across all functions, including accountability for the departmental operational plans and metrics as well as acting as a positive leader inspiring teams across the Foundation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
Strategic Planning & Execution :
Develop and oversee robust plans to implement the Foundation’s strategic vision in collaboration with the leadership team.
Prioritize competing initiatives and help the CEO focus on what will deliver the greatest impact.
Ensure strategies are clearly communicated and successfully operationalized across the organization.
Support the CEO’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) vision, working with the Chief People Officer to embed accountability and measure progress.
Monitor progress toward strategic goals, identify risks and opportunities, and provide timely updates and recommendations to the CEO.
Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of new strategies, processes, and ways of working across the Foundation.

Communication & Liaison :
Act as the CEO’s primary point of contact with all key stakeholders.
Serve as the bridge between the WHO Foundation and WHO stakeholders, ensuring strong alignment and partnership on shared priorities.
Facilitate effective communication across teams and with key partners.
Represent the CEO by receiving visitors, attending meetings, and coordinating events as required.
Prepare and oversee correspondence, briefing materials, talking points, and reports for the CEO’s review and signature.

Decision Support :
Gather, synthesize, and analyze data to provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
Partner with the CEO to make well-informed, risk-aware, and mission-aligned decisions.
Anticipate challenges and apply creative problem-solving to drive organizational impact.
Support the CEO in stakeholder management by mapping key relationships, tracking engagement, and ensuring follow-through on commitments.

Project Management :
Lead and coordinate special projects and cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the CEO.
Ensure timely execution, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes.

Leadership & Coordination :
Provide strategic leadership support to the executive team, ensuring alignment with Foundation priorities.
Coordinate executive activities, drive collaboration, and promote proactive, adaptive decision-making.

Board Relations :
Support CEO’s relationships with the Board of Directors.
Oversee preparation of board materials, agendas, and reports, ensuring clear and timely communication.
Support effective governance and follow-up on board decisions.

External Relations :
Cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and global health leaders.
Represent the Foundation at high-level events, forums, and engagements to advance its mission and visibility.

Please apply using the following link :
https://whofoundation.recruitee.com/o/chief-of-staff-permanent-100-based-in-geneva-1