The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for a Scientist (Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) position based at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The position is offered at P5 level on a two-year fixed-term appointment, providing an opportunity for an experienced public health or research professional to contribute to global work on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The vacancy was posted on September 18, 2026, and applications close on October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Importantly for professionals assessing international career opportunities, WHO states that the position has an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, subject to applicable deductions, together with a variable post adjustment currently amounting to USD 7,686 per month for the Geneva duty station. Additional benefits include annual leave, dependent-family allowances, home leave and an education grant for eligible dependent children.
About the WHO Scientist Position
The successful candidate will work within WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Ageing Health. The department works to generate evidence, strengthen health systems, establish norms and standards, and support policies and programmes addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The role specifically focuses on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, requiring a senior scientific and technical leader who can work with Member States, UN agencies, WHO offices, research institutions and other stakeholders.
The position involves providing authoritative technical advice and helping shape research priorities and strategic plans in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Key Responsibilities
The Scientist will have a broad research leadership and technical advisory role. Major responsibilities include:
- Serving as a senior technical and scientific reference on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Developing and overseeing research agendas and priorities.
- Designing research protocols and establishing partnerships with national research institutions.
- Developing research agreements and coordinating scientific meetings and training workshops.
- Monitoring research sites and overseeing participating research institutions.
- Supporting data management, research analysis and publication of findings.
- Strengthening the capacity of research centres to meet scientific and ethical standards.
- Conducting or commissioning systematic literature reviews.
- Contributing to evidence-based clinical and managerial guidelines.
- Preparing technical progress reports for governing and advisory bodies and donors.
- Leading scientific manuscripts and communications around research outputs.
- Building partnerships with governments, NGOs, private-sector organizations, researchers and other stakeholders.
- Leading fundraising activities to increase financial support for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Who Can Apply?
This is a senior-level international position, and applicants are expected to demonstrate substantial academic and professional experience.
The essential educational requirement is an advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, or another relevant field contributing to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. A PhD in a related field is desirable.
Applicants must also have:
- At least 10 years of direct experience in international research and research management related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Experience working in low- and middle-income countries.
- At least five years of direct experience leading research projects in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
- At least seven years of experience developing policies and/or implementing programmes relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Experience with a UN agency or international NGO in low- and middle-income countries is desirable.
Skills and Language Requirements
WHO is seeking a candidate with expert knowledge of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights and its public health dimensions.
Strong research leadership, analytical ability and scientific writing skills are required, demonstrated through a track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications in the relevant field. Candidates should also have fundraising and resource-mobilization skills, alongside strong communication and diplomatic abilities.
Expert knowledge of English is essential. Expert knowledge of French is desirable, while intermediate knowledge of another UN language is also desirable.
WHO Salary and Benefits
The WHO remuneration package makes this an international professional-level opportunity. The vacancy specifies:
- Annual base salary: Starting at USD 103,165
- Variable post adjustment: Currently USD 7,686 per month for Geneva
- Contract: Fixed-term appointment
- Duration: Two years
- Grade: P5
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Schedule: Full-time
- Annual leave: 30 days
- Additional benefits: Dependent-family allowances, home leave and education grant for eligible dependent children.
The stated base salary is subject to mandatory deductions, including pension contributions and health insurance where applicable. The post adjustment is a separate variable component reflecting the cost of living at the duty station.
Diversity, Inclusion and International Applicants
WHO states that it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and recruits staff without discrimination based on characteristics including disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religion, culture, ethnicity and socioeconomic background.
Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
WHO also notes that international professional appointments involve geographical mobility, meaning candidates appointed to fixed-term positions in the international professional category may be assigned to activities or duty stations across the Organization.
How to Apply
Qualified professionals interested in the WHO Scientist – Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights position should submit their applications through the WHO careers system before the deadline.
The application deadline is October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and vacancy information before submitting their applications.
This WHO opportunity may be particularly relevant to senior researchers, public health specialists, epidemiologists and sexual and reproductive health professionals with extensive international research, policy and programme leadership experience.
Key Details
- Position: Scientist – Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Grade: P5
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Contract: Fixed-term
- Duration: 2 years
- Salary: From USD 103,165 annually
- Post adjustment: Currently USD 7,686 per month
- Deadline: October 9, 2026
- Education: Advanced university degree required
- Experience: 10+ years of relevant international research and management experience
- Language: Expert English required; French desirable
