Team Lead (Global Respiratory Threats)

The Team Lead (Global Respiratory Threats) provides technical leadership and managerial support in the area of access and benefit sharing (ABS) related to the implementation of the PIP Framework and WHO Pandemic Agreement. The role involves policy development, programme management, partnership liaison, and strategic guidance to enhance global pandemic influenza preparedness and response.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and managerial support within the Department in the area of access and benefit sharing (ABS) as exemplified by implementation of the PIP Framework.
• Develop and propose policies and strategies for synergistic implementation of the PIP Framework and the WHO Pandemic Agreement (WHO PA), including during the development of key components of the WHO PA Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) System.
• Collaborate with HQ teams, Regional and Country Offices and provide advice in the further development and implementation of the PIP Framework.
• Manage the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficient management of the PIP Framework Secretariat, the PIP Partnership Contribution financial resources, and effective work planning across the three levels of the Organization.
• Lead and conduct research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building.
• Manage the monitoring, evaluation and reporting for the subject area of work using key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms.
• Serve as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
• Liaise with and utilize partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions to position the PIP Framework technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies on ABS for public health.
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for implementation of the PIP Framework.
• Oversee the conclusion of advance supply agreements for vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics to ensure real-time access by WHO at the time of the next influenza pandemic.
• Oversee the annual collection of the Partnership Contribution from influenza product manufacturers to support pandemic influenza preparedness and response.
• Lead and guide implementation of the use of Partnership Contribution funds through the development and implementation of Partnership Contribution High-Level Implementation Plans for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and similar plans for use of PIP Response funds at the time of an influenza pandemic.
• Provide strategic guidance on operationalization of PIP benefit-sharing tools and benefits secured, to prepare for their efficient roll-out to Member States during an influenza pandemic.
• Convene and manage the PIP Advisory Group as a key pillar of the PIP Framework governance.
• Ensure regular, systematic, evidence-based and transparent reporting to WHO Governing Bodies, Member States and stakeholders.
• Perform all other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s level degree) in law and admission or certification of admission to practice law (e.g. bar exam, law society).
• Desirable: University degree in finance or business administration, or public health.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, including providing legal, policy, or regulatory advice in an international, governmental, or intergovernmental context.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with the private sector, including drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, licensing agreements, or public-private partnership agreements.
• Proven experience in dispute resolution, including international arbitration, mediation, or handling of contract-related disputes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing human and financial resources within cross‑disciplinary and multicultural environments.
• International experience involving interaction with private‑sector manufacturers, counsel, Member States, and multilateral stakeholders.
• Desirable: Experience in financial or business administration, particularly related to fund management, contribution systems, or oversight of financial mechanisms.
• Desirable: Experience in global health, pandemic preparedness, or legal frameworks related to pathogens, benefit‑sharing or health‑product regulation.
• Concrete knowledge and skills to plan and coordinate multilateral, multidisciplinary public health international instruments, including their synergistic implementation.
• Strong skills in the area of developing and implementing polices and strategies.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Good skills in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Member States, Ministries of Health, donor institutions, industry partners, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Understanding of different clusters and functional areas.
• Producing results.
• Ability to integrate legal, scientific, policy, financial, and operational considerations into cohesive programme strategies, especially in the context of the PIP Framework's virus‑sharing and benefit‑sharing components.
• Ability to interpret and apply international legal frameworks, agreements, instruments, and ABS principles relevant to pathogen access, pandemic influenza preparedness, and WHO's normative role.
• Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN Language.

Skills

• Legal Practice
• International Law
• Policy Development
• Regulatory Advice
• Commercial Agreement Drafting
• Contract Negotiation
• Public Private Partnerships
• Dispute Settlement
• International Commercial Arbitration
• Mediation
• Human Resources Management
• Financial Resource Management
• Multicultural Team Leadership
• Private Sector Engagement
• Fund Management
• Global health knowledge
• Epidemic Preparedness
• Health-Product Regulation
• Multi-lateral Coordination
• Programme Strategy Development
• Resource Mobilization
• Stakeholder Engagement
• International Legal Frameworks
• Benefit-Sharing Principles
• Policy Implementation

Languages

English, French, UN Language