WHO Foundation

ABOUT US The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, was created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO. Its mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnership to advance the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling catalytic impact on the people whose lives rely on WHO’s work and facilitating innovation to maximize the impact of the resources we invest. WHO plays a singular role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first-responder to health crises — including the current conflict in Ukraine and on behalf of the 15+ million people in urgent need of aid in Horn of Africa; producing technical guidelines and tools to prevent and treat disease; and acting as a country-level convener with an unparalleled level of trust. The crises of the 21st century, including COVID-19, have made clear both the inequity of access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. Yet WHO lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate. And, beyond funding, its vision cannot be achieved by the public sector alone. The WHO Foundation was therefore created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO to marshal new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support its mission: promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, while protecting the neutrality and independence of WHO as the world’s leading health authority. WHOF is a nexus for unique opportunities in global health, facilitating game-changing opportunities between the private sector and WHO. Our focus is on mobilizing grant income, shared value partnerships, and investment to power WHO’s work. PURPOSE The Head of Brand & Content is a senior leadership role responsible for harnessing the power of brand and creative content in ways that expand the WHO Foundation’s reach, revenue and reputation. The Brand and Creative Content unit is responsible for leading the brand proposition, and delivering high impact, quality content that supports the organisation to achieve its objectives. This role will enhance WHO Foundation’s brand identity, drive consistency and ensure high-quality, insight-driven content, using strategic narrative approaches that build audience trust in the WHO and the positive impact it makes on the global health landscape. Specifically, the postholder will strengthen WHO Foundation’s visibility, credibility, and fundraising effectiveness across key audiences including philanthropists, foundations, corporations, high-net-worth individuals, multilateral stakeholders, and the general public REPORTS TO The Head of Brand and Content will report directly to the Director of Communications. ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Brand and Content Strategy - Develop and lead a comprehensive global brand and narrative strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission and growth objectives, while aligning with WHO positioning and governance frameworks. - Define brand positioning, messaging architecture, tone of voice, and visual identity standards and ensure consistency across all products and activities. - Establish brand governance frameworks and safeguard reputational integrity, providing oversight of all public facing channels to monitor alignment - Support teams to translate complex global health priorities into compelling, accessible narratives for different fundraising audiences. - Lead the creation and production of the Foundation’s content, including impact reports, digital content and multi-media campaign materials - Develop high-impact narratives for thematic campaigns and strategic initiatives. - Ensure content reflects equity, dignity, and inclusive representation. - Measure and monitor brand metrics and audience insights to continue to refine the Foundation`s brand positioning and narrative performance. Leadership responsibilities - Lead and develop the brand and content team, including managing external agencies and creative partners. - Oversee budgeting, procurement, and KPI reporting for the brand and content team. - Work closely with the Communications Director, and the Head of PR and Events to support the CEO and senior leadership with thought leadership positioning. - Provide narrative support and guidance to leadership in crisis and high stakes situations. - Support development and fundraising teams to ensure impact and alignment of donor visibility requirements in coordination with the wider communications unit. DELIVERABLES & PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - Global brand strategy implemented within the first 6 months. - Unified messaging framework adopted organization wide. - Increased brand visibility and engagement metrics. - Measurable contribution to fundraising performance. PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS - 10–12 years of progressive leadership experience in brand strategy or strategic communications. - In house experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, global health, or multilateral sectors preferred - Experience managing agencies and cross-functional teams.” with “Significant experience of developing and implementing global brand and content strategies within communications - Significant experience of developing and implementing global brand and content strategies within complex organisations, as well as in leading initiatives that require deep multi-stakeholder engagement. - Evidence of successful brand building and content leadership in a fast paced fundraising environment, and in developing and implementing donor acquisition and stewardship journeys across diverse donor portfolios - Experience of managing production coordination and project management flows while remaining adaptable to changing needs, pressures and opportunities. Knowledge and understanding of how to drive narrative approaches that increase trust and credibility - Managing agencies and freelancers in the procurement and production of high-quality content across various platforms for multiple markets and fundraising audiences. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with other UN languages a distinct advantage. - Exceptional ability to craft compelling stories that align with the organisation's mission and that resonate with diverse fundraising audiences. - Innovative mindset for devising unique solutions that enhance brand identity. - Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including internal teams and external partners. - Able to build and maintain effective relationships across departments to promote a unified and compelling brand experience across the organisation. - Adept at understanding market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor analysis to inform strategic decision-making. Proficiency in data interpretation to monitor, refine, and optimise brand strategies. WHAT WE OFFER ● Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment with appealing growth and learning opportunities ● A collaborative workplace within a truly global team ● An agile, fast-moving and flexible environment ● Potential to leverage a multinational name and organization in the form of WHO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ● Type of contract: Permanent ● Location: Either based in Geneva or remote based elsewhere in Europe ● Working rate: 100% ● Estimated start date: ASAP ● Application deadline: 6.04.2026 at 10 AM CET This is a rolling process; applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The WHO Foundation puts equity at the center of all its work and is committed to building, fostering, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based upon individual qualifications, regardless of gender, color, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural & religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

ABOUT US The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, was created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO. Its mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnership to advance the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling catalytic impact on the people whose lives rely on WHO’s work and facilitating innovation to maximize the impact of the resources we invest. WHO plays a singular role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first-responder to health crises — including the current conflict in Ukraine and on behalf of the 15+ million people in urgent need of aid in Horn of Africa; producing technical guidelines and tools to prevent and treat disease; and acting as a country-level convener with an unparalleled level of trust. The crises of the 21st century, including COVID-19, have made clear both the inequity of access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. Yet WHO lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate. And, beyond funding, its vision cannot be achieved by the public sector alone. The WHO Foundation was therefore created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO to marshal new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support its mission: promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, while protecting the neutrality and independence of WHO as the world’s leading health authority. WHOF is a nexus for unique opportunities in global health, facilitating game-changing opportunities between the private sector and WHO. Our focus is on mobilizing grant income, shared value partnerships, and investment to power WHO’s work. PURPOSE The Director will lead a team of Heads of Strategic Engagement, enabling them to operate effectively within the WHO institutional landscape while collectively advancing the Foundation’s strategic partnership with WHO. The Director will ensure that WHO Foundation’s engagement with WHO moves beyond technical embedding to a strategic, forward-looking partnership model that strengthens alignment, accelerates collaboration, and enables resource mobilization at scale. This includes facilitating strategic alignment across programs, proactively identifying and advancing high-potential opportunities, and serving as a senior institutional bridge between WHO and the Foundation. The Director will empower the Heads of Strategic Engagement to operate effectively within the complex WHO environment. The Director will operate at both strategic and enabling levels—removing barriers, fostering alignment, and ensuring the Foundation’s engagement with WHO is cohesive, impactful, and future-oriented. REPORTS TO The Director reports to the Chief Development Officer. The Director will work in close collaboration with: Chief of Staff, Regional Development Teams (EU, MENA, APAC, US), Director Innovation and other EMT Members The Director will directly manage Heads of Strategic Engagement and may oversee relevant external advisors or consultants. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1- Institutional Engagement within WHO - Serve as the senior institutional lead for engagement with WHO Program ADGs and senior WHO leadership across priority thematic areas. - Maintain a strategic overview of the WHO institutional landscape and of the internal dynamics - Enable strategic alignment between WHO priorities and Foundation investment strategies, ensuring coherence across thematic portfolios. - Anticipate and help navigate institutional complexities to facilitate effective collaboration between WHO and the Foundation. - Represent the WHO Foundation in high-level institutional dialogues and strategic fora as appropriate. 2. Portfolio Enablement & Strategic Coordination - Serve as a leader of leaders for the Heads of Strategic Engagement, fostering coherence, collaboration, and shared strategic direction across thematic portfolios. - Act as a senior connector across portfolios, ensuring alignment of approaches, messaging, and institutional positioning without centralizing ownership of individual thematic areas. - Facilitate cross-portfolio dialogue to surface synergies, bundled opportunities, and integrated funding propositions. - Create the conditions for success by helping remove structural or institutional bottlenecks and supporting Heads of Strategic Engagement in navigating complex WHO environments. - Convene regular strategic exchanges to strengthen peer learning, consistency of engagement, and collective problem-solving. - Ensure clarity of institutional priorities and alignment with WHO leadership while empowering Heads to maintain ownership of their respective portfolios. - Strengthen coordination between Strategic Engagement, Development, and Innovation, Development Operations and Communications teams to ensure seamless execution across functions. 3. Strategic Opportunity Development & Select Portfolio Leadership - Identify and shape strategic opportunities emerging across WHO programs and leadership priorities - Directly lead and manage one or two priority thematic areas, maintaining a hands-on role in opportunity development, WHO engagement, and strategic positioning within those portfolios. - Personally steward relationships with the relevant WHO ADGs and senior technical leaders within the Director’s thematic portfolio(s), modeling best practice in institutional engagement. - Guide the development and positioning of investment cases, ensuring opportunities are strategically aligned, technically robust, and ready for funding. - Support Heads of Strategic Engagement in elevating promising initiatives to institutional priority level, providing strategic input while preserving their ownership. - Shape high-level concept framing, positioning documents, and institutional narratives that resonate with major donors and partners. - Maintain forward-looking visibility on emerging global health trends and ensure both the Director’s own portfolio(s) and the broader Strategic Engagement function reflect high-potential, future-oriented opportunities. 4. Strategic Support to Resource Mobilization - Act as a strategic partner to the Chief Development Officer in ensuring WHO institutional engagement effectively, and Regional Development teams to ensure institutional alignment with donor strategies. - Engage selectively with key donors, foundations, and strategic partners at a senior level to reinforce institutional credibility and alignment with WHO leadership. - Support complex or high-value funding negotiations where strategic institutional positioning is required. - Contribute to the positioning of the WHO Foundation as a strategic partner for large-scale, multi-year, or catalytic funding initiatives. 5. Organizational Leadership & Systems Strengthening - Build and nurture a high-performing Strategic Engagement function, fostering collaboration, clarity of mandate, and accountability. - Ensure effective knowledge sharing and documentation across thematic portfolios. - Promote a culture of strategic thinking, agility, and collaborative problem-solving within the team. - Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Development function as a member of its senior leadership group. PROFILE AND COMPETENCIES Experience - Significant senior-level experience in global health, international development, multilateral organizations, or philanthropic institutions. - Demonstrated experience engaging at executive leadership level. - Deep understanding of WHO governance, leadership structures, and the broader global health ecosystem, with the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics - Proven track record in institutional relationship management and strategic partnership development. - Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and overseeing complex portfolios. - Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex institutional environments. - Excellent strategic writing and communication skills. Competencies Strategic Leadership Ability to shape long-term institutional direction, anticipate emerging trends, and align engagement strategies with organizational priorities. Institutional Relationship Management Demonstrated capacity to build, steward, and sustain trusted relationships at senior executive levels within complex multilateral environments. Diplomacy & Political Acumen Strong judgment and sensitivity in navigating institutional dynamics, competing priorities, and high-level stakeholder interests. Catalytic Opportunity Development Capacity to identify, frame, and advance high-potential investment opportunities that unlock strategic partnerships and funding. Executive Communication Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical content into clear, compelling narratives tailored to senior leadership and major partners. Cross-Functional Collaboration Proven ability to convene and align diverse teams (development, technical, legal, communications, finance) toward shared objectives. Influence Without Authority Skilled at enabling progress and fostering alignment across stakeholders and team members without relying on formal hierarchical control. Team Enablement & Coaching Ability to empower senior team members, foster peer learning, and create an environment of accountability and mutual support. Adaptive Leadership Comfort operating in evolving, high-demand environments, responding constructively to ambiguity and shifting priorities. Negotiation & Alignment Building Ability to facilitate constructive dialogue between institutional leaders and external partners to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Integrity & Discretion Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality in handling sensitive institutional relationships. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ● Type of contract: Permanent ● Location: Geneva with remote work possibility ● Working rate: 100% ● Estimated start date: ASAP ● Application deadline: 18.04.2026 at 10 AM CET The WHO Foundation puts equity at the center of all its work and is committed to building, fostering, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based upon individual qualifications, regardless of gender, color, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural & religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.