Technical Officer, Climate-Resilient Sustainable Food Systems, Seoul, Republic of Korea

## Technical Officer, Climate-Resilient Sustainable Food Systems, Seoul, Republic of Korea - Organization:WHO - World Health Organization - Country:Republic of Korea - Office:WHO Seoul, Republic of Korea Technical Officer, Climate-Resilient Sustainable Food Systems Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 2 years Job Posting: Sep 30, 2026, 4:52:57 AM - Generate scientific information, monitor trends, and analyse evidence to support advocacy, programmes, policies, and actions on urban and island health, environment, and climate change, with emphasis on adaptation; - Assist Member States in developing policies to protect and promote health and well-being by adapting global norms and standards, building capacity, and providing technical assistance; - Engage with sectors, international agencies, donors, and stakeholders to accelerate policy and action on climate and health in the Western Pacific Region and beyond. - DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: - Provide technical input to the work programme in the area of sustainable food systems, environment and health, and assist the Responsible Officer in the implementation of related policies and programmes. - Undertake research and analysis on food systems, environmental health, climate-related public health topics, and dietary patterns including sustainable protein sources and traditional and regional diets, to support programme development and implementation. - Draft, review and further develop technical guidance, policy documents, and national or regional strategies, and provide recommendations to strengthen public health policies and systems, including those related to sustainable diets and food systems transformation. - Monitor workplans and budgets, including donor-funded activities, and follow up on the implementation of planned activities. - Conduct data analysis and synthesize evidence on best practices and partners' experiences in implementing sustainable and climate-resilient public health systems, and support knowledge sharing and dissemination of findings. - Participate in capacity-building activities related to food systems, environmental health, and public health systems strengthening. - Analyse and evaluate programme implementation, best practices and evidence from Member States and partners, and contribute to technical reports, policy recommendations and knowledge products. - Support stakeholder engagement and outreach activities to strengthen collaboration across health, environment, and food system sectors. - Serve as a technical resource at counterpart level on food systems, environment and health, responding to inquiries and providing technical inputs on related policies, practices, and approaches. - Contribute to the development and management of partnerships with Member States, United Nations agencies, academic institutions, civil society, donors and other stakeholders to advance sustainable food systems, environment and health initiatives. - Perform all other related duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Essential: A university degree (Bachelor's level or above) in public health, environmental health, nutrition, food systems, or another related field. Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in public health, environmental health, nutrition, food systems, or a related field. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link:http://www.whed.net/. Essential: At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supporting public health programmes related to food systems, environmental health, and/or other similar areas, including experience in developing policies, strategies, or programmes that promote health and preventive approaches. Demonstrated experience working in an international and multidisciplinary environment. Desirable: Experience at the country level. Relevant experience gained from other UN agencies or international organizations. FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS - Knowledge of country-level contexts related to sustainable food systems, environmental health and climate change, including dietary patterns such as sustainable protein sources and traditional and regional diets, together with a good understanding of country needs, priorities and policies, as well as WHO policies, guidelines, procedures and programme implementation approaches. - Ability to conduct research and analyse results, identify issues, formulate conclusions, and provide recommendations to strengthen public health systems. - Ability to review and contribute to the development of policies, strategies and programme objectives related to sustainable diets and food systems transformation. - Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. - Good knowledge of public health systems, including their links to food systems, environmental sustainability, and health outcomes. - Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty, including scientific evidence related to food systems, dietary patterns and their health and environmental impacts. - Public speaking techniques. - Excellent drafting and communication skills. - Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. - Team spirit and time management skills. Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf - Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences - Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond; Use of Language Skills Excellent knowledge of English Other Skills (e.g. IT) *Ability to identify innovative approaches and practical solutions. *Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct. WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. Remuneration comprises an annual net base salary starting at USD 71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable). In addition, a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living at the relevant duty station. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration. - This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. - Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. - A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening. - In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ . Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review. - According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of