Health Programme Coordinator

Host entity: WHO PLW

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: General and specialised medicine, Project management, programme development, strategy, Community development

Application deadline: 06/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as the directing and coordinating authority for international health within the United Nations system. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) joined WHO on 14 August 1991 as a Member State. In August 2010, WHO opened a Country Liaison Office in Palikir, Pohnpei to provide country-level support to the Government of FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau and in 2025, The WHO Country Liaison Office was upgraded to be a WHO Multi Country Office (WHO MCO) to cover the same countries. The WHO MCO coordinates technical assistance and partnerships across priority public health areas in the three countries.

Assignment context

In Palau, WHO's mandate is to support the Ministry of Health and Human Services and partners to strengthen health systems, prevent and control communicable and noncommunicable diseases, improve preparedness and response to outbreaks and emergencies, strengthen immunization systems and advance universal health coverage in line with national priorities and the WHO Constitution.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the NPO (Public Health Officer), WHO Multi-country Office for North Pacific:
1. Work in close coordination with the NPO of the Republic of Palau, ensuring alignment of programme implementation and managerial processes.
2. Assist in the coordination of WHO activities in the country/state through the relevant managerial processes and responsibilities, and administer partnership activities to ensure timely, high quality delivery.
3. Link with relevant partners in the national/state health sector, to support timely implementation of joint activities.
4. Facilitate and coordinate the delivery of technical and managerial advice to state authorities and stakeholders on identified priorities.
5. Ensure local use of applicable WHO frameworks, tools, norms and guidelines, ensuring consistency with global and regional strategies across areas of public health needed.
6. Work in close coordination with the NPO to contribute to mobilizing resources and support for health, advocating for the inclusion of health as an integral component of state development.
7. Contribute to the visibility of WHO’s work through the standard communication protocols and products of the WHO Multi-country Office.
8. Leverage knowledge of local systems and cultural norms to develop and sustain community outreach activities on prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of priority diseases and public health issues.

Skills and experience

Experience:
At least two years of working experience in public health sector, healthservice delivery or relevant field. Work experience with the UN system or international organization is an asset.

Skills
• Good understanding of public health systems and health programmes.
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize multiple activities and manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and engage respectfully with local communities.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Palauan is highly desirable.


Applicants who do not fully meet the minimum professional experience requirements for a UN Volunteer ‘Specialist’ assignment are still encouraged to apply; if selected, they may be recruited under the Conditions of Service applicable to UN Volunteer ‘Associate’ assignments.

Competencies and values

 Communicating in a credible and effective way;
 Producing results;
 Moving forward in a changing environment; and
 Fostering integration and teamwork

Living conditions

Koror is the commercial and population centre of Palau, where most government offices, businesses, health services, and amenities are located. It offers a safe and welcoming environment with access to supermarkets, restaurants, banks, telecommunications, and recreational facilities. English is widely spoken alongside Palauan, making communication relatively easy. Palau enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a rich natural environment, including world-renowned marine ecosystems and outdoor recreational opportunities. The country has a relatively high standard of living compared to many Pacific Island countries, supported by established health and education services. As a small island nation, the cost of living can be relatively high, particularly for imported goods and services. Public transportation is limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles or taxis for transportation. Reliable utilities, internet, and mobile services are available in Koror, although connectivity may occasionally be slower than in larger urban centres.

National UN Volunteers are expected to arrange their own accommodation and transportation. The assignment provides an excellent opportunity for Palauan nationals to contribute to strengthening the country's health system while working closely with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, WHO, UN partners, and other national stakeholders.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”

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