Health Governance & Financing Officer

Host entity: WHO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Emergency preparedness, crisis response

Application deadline: 17/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The WHO is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Working with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices, WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to achieve better health for everyone, everywhere. Together they strive to combat diseases – communicable diseases like influenza and HIV, and noncommunicable diseases like cancer and heart disease. They help mothers and children survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age. We ensure the safety of the air people breathe.

Assignment context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Somalia operates in a highly dynamic and complex environment. In alignment with the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy, the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, and health sector strategic plans, WHO supports the strengthening of resilient health systems. This includes advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through robust sector governance, sustainable financing mechanisms, and institutional capacity building. The incumbent will provide technical guidance and policy support to improve accountability, health resource tracking, and policy dialogue in Somalia. Working under the oversight of the WHO Representative and the technical guidance of the UHC Coordinator, the Specialist will ensure health governance and financing priorities are integrated across all health clusters

Task description

Under the strategic guidance of the WHO Representative to Somalia and the direct supervision of the UHC team lead, the UNV Specialist will:

• Support the development, review, and operationalization of national health policies, strategic plans, and legal frameworks to strengthen health sector governance and accountability.
• Provide technical assistance in designing and implementing health financing strategies, focusing on resource mobilization, financial protection, and tracking mechanisms like National Health Accounts.
• Facilitate high-level health sector policy dialogues, supporting coordinating bodies, steering committees, and working groups to align government, donor, and partner priorities.
• Guide the development of capacity-building programs for health ministry officials at federal and federal member state levels in health leadership, management, and budgeting.
• Support the generation of evidence-based health finance knowledge products, briefs, and investment cases to advocate for sustainable health domestic funding.
• Set up and support a health governance and financing community of practice or technical working group for Somalia.

Skills and experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in health governance, health-system strengthening, public-sector reform, or health financing.

Contextual Expertise: Hands-on experience working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), specifically within fragile or post-conflict settings like Somalia.

Technical Skills: Proven track record in health financing reforms (revenue mobilization, pooling, strategic purchasing, and financial protection), cost-analysis, public financial management (PFM), and policy drafting

Competencies and values

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Producing Results
Moving Forward in a Changing Environment

Living conditions

Somalia is a non-family duty station with a complex but rewarding humanitarian environment. Security conditions vary across locations and require strict adherence to UN security measures and movement protocols. The country has a tropical climate, with rainy seasons from April to June and October to December. International access is available through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Baidoa airports, served by commercial and UN flights. Paid accommodation is available in secure UN-approved compounds and hotels, generally providing meals, laundry, internet, and basic recreational facilities. Food, bottled water, telecommunications, and banking services are available in major duty stations, while medical support is provided through UN and private medical facilities. The US Dollar is widely accepted. Somalia is a predominantly Muslim and culturally conservative country. Respect for local customs, modest dress, and sensitivity to cultural norms are expected. Somalia is a unique country and a distinctive humanitarian operation. It offers a professionally enriching experience while requiring cultural awareness, resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions. Adaptability and commitment are essential for a successful assignment. You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.