The World Health Organization (WHO) is hiring an HR Officer (P2) in its Talent Acquisition and Management (HQ/TAM) team, based in Lyon, France, on a two-year fixed-term, full-time appointment. The annual base salary starts at USD 56,046, plus a post adjustment of USD 2,195 per month for Lyon, and the role asks for two years of HR experience and expert English. Applications close on 19 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and organised every requirement and condition below.
Vacancy Overview
🆔 Job number: 2603227
🎚️ Grade: P2
📄 Contract type: Fixed-term appointment
⏱️ Duration: Two years
📍 Duty station: Lyon, France
🏢 Organization unit: HQ/TAM Talent Acquisition and Management
🕘 Schedule: Full-time
The Department of Human Resources and Talent Management
The Department of Human Resources and Talent Management (HRT) provides a sound, well managed, responsive and efficient organization-wide Human Resources Management strategy and global HR advisory services that support the work of WHO and its member states. Its scope includes, but is not limited to:
📚 HR Policy Development.
🧱 Organizational Design and Job Classification.
🎯 Talent Acquisition and Management, including Succession Planning, Global staffing, Career Development and Training, Rotation and Mobility.
💵 Application of the UN Common system's Compensation and Benefits.
⚖️ HR Legal Advisory Services and Administration of Justice.
🤝 Global Staff/Management relations.
🌐 Representation of WHO in inter-agency UN Common System HR initiatives.
What the HR Officer Does
Under the supervision of the technical lead, the HR Officer supports specialized mechanisms and the associated HR processes, performing some or all of the duties below.
Managing Specialized Mechanisms
🛠️ Support the day-to-day implementation of assigned specialized mechanisms and programmes, so that related HR and programme-related financial services and processes are delivered in a timely, accurate and compliant manner.
📌 Serve as the focal point for assigned mechanisms, advising participants, managers, internal counterparts and external partners on policies, procedures, conditions of service and administrative requirements.
🔄 Initiate and follow through on the full range of actions for assigned mechanisms, including planning, processing, monitoring and closure of cases.
🔍 Review and analyze individual cases for completeness, accuracy and compliance with applicable rules, regulations and established procedures, escalating complex issues where required.
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Advisory, Coordination and Stakeholder Management
🗣️ Provide technical input and briefings to managers, staff, non-staff and external stakeholders on the implementation and administration of specialized mechanisms.
🧷 Liaise closely with relevant teams in HRT, Finance, the Global Service Centre, Regional Offices and external partner entities to coordinate actions, resolve issues and ensure smooth case handling.
✉️ Prepare correspondence, briefing notes, case summaries and recommendations for review and decision-making by the supervisor or other stakeholders.
Monitoring, Compliance and Reporting
👁️ Monitor implementation of activities under assigned mechanisms to ensure timeliness, compliance and consistency of approach.
📊 Produce reports, statistics, dashboards and analytical summaries to support planning, finances, oversight, monitoring and decision-making.
🧯 Identify process gaps, recurring issues and operational risks, and recommend improvements to strengthen service delivery, efficiency and compliance.
Planning and Process Improvement
♻️ Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of specialized mechanisms and related workflows.
📘 Support the development, update and application of standard operating procedures, guidance materials, templates and internal controls.
✨ Contribute to initiatives that improve the effectiveness, consistency and client orientation of the specialized mechanisms under the team's responsibility.
➕ Perform all other related responsibilities as assigned, including backstopping within the team to ensure continuity of services.
Education Required
🎓 Essential: a first level university degree in human resources management, business or public administration, behavioral sciences (for example psychology) or other closely related fields.
🏅 Desirable: an advanced level university degree or training in one of these areas, or professional certification in human resources management.
📎 For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
Essential Experience
🗂️ At least two years of professional experience in human resources management, including recruitment, HR operations, administration of HR programmes or talent initiatives, and financial management activities such as budgeting, cost monitoring, financial analysis or reporting.
📁 At least two years of experience in providing HR input, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and managing individual cases.
🤖 Demonstrated experience in identifying, implementing or promoting innovative digital solutions, including AI-enabled tools, to modernize ways of working, improve process efficiency, enhance data-driven decision-making and strengthen service delivery.
Desirable Experience
🇺🇳 Experience in human resources management in the UN system and/or a multinational environment.
🌱 Experience managing young professionals' programmes and talent pipelines.
💾 Experience with ERP and HR management systems such as Oracle, Workday or similar platforms.
✈️ Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Skills WHO Expects
🧠 Demonstrated knowledge of human resources management principles and practices, with solid expertise in recruitment, HR operations, interpretation and application of staff rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and sound HR advice to managers, staff, non-staff and external stakeholders.
🧮 Strong analytical skills to review and assess individual cases, identify issues and risks, and recommend appropriate courses of action in a client-oriented and solutions-focused manner.
⏰ Strong skills in monitoring and ensuring compliance, managing multiple cases and deadlines, preparing reports, statistics, dashboards, correspondence and briefing materials, and coordinating across internal and external stakeholders.
💡 Working knowledge of AI tools to enhance administrative efficiency, with responsible use and compliance with organizational, ethical and data protection standards.
💻 Excellent proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other standard office applications, plus sound knowledge of ERP and HR systems such as Oracle or Workday.
🤫 Tact, discretion, emotional intelligence and sound judgement, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism.
WHO Competencies
👥 Teamwork.
🫶 Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
📣 Communication.
🪞 Knowing and managing yourself.
🏁 Producing results.
Language Skills
🇬🇧 Essential: expert knowledge of English.
🇫🇷 Desirable: intermediate knowledge of French.
Salary and Benefits
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for this position comprises:
💶 An annual base salary starting at USD 56,046 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable).
📈 A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in the duty station, currently USD 2,195 per month for Lyon.
🏖️ 30 days of annual leave.
👪 Allowances for dependent family members.
🏠 Home leave.
🧒 An education grant for dependent children.
👶 Parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance.
Screening and Interview
📝 A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
📬 Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
📜 If you are retained for an interview, you must provide in advance a scanned copy of the degree(s), diploma(s) or certificate(s) required for this position.
🏷️ WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO; some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
🖥️ The application deadline shown on the vacancy page reflects your personal device's system settings.
🧰 If the careers website does not display properly, make sure you have the latest version of Chrome, Edge or Firefox, clear your browser history and open the site in a new browser (not a new tab), or retry using Mozilla Firefox or another device; WHO also provides instructions for candidates on completing job applications.
Conditions of Appointment
🔁 This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
🧾 Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
🏛️ Under article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in employing staff is the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to recruiting on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
📑 Any appointment or extension is subject to the WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.
🎛️ The Director-General retains the discretion not to make any appointment, to appoint at a lower grade, or to appoint with a modified job description, including a shorter duration.
🧳 Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
🗺️ Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO: staff appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station worldwide.
🎂 The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years; for external applicants, only those expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
Diversity, Inclusion and Reasonable Accommodation
🤲 WHO is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, and recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
🌻 WHO is committed to gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
♿ Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process); the request is sent by email with your full name, the vacancy number and the specific accommodation needed. The address is listed in the Links section.
Integrity and Conduct
🛡️ An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential, and WHO expects its workforce to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
🚫 WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other abusive conduct such as discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment.
🔎 WHO conducts a background verification of final candidates to ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other abusive conduct are not hired.
Health Requirements: Vaccination and Tobacco
🩹 WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow it, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence, and a copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with the WHO medical service during medical clearance.
🛂 Certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit; for example, official proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific recommendations are on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website, and vaccination queries go directly to SHW.
🫁 WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the WHO HR Officer position in Lyon?
The annual base salary starts at USD 56,046, subject to mandatory pension and health insurance deductions. A post adjustment, currently USD 2,195 per month for Lyon, is added on top.
What type of contract does WHO offer?
It is a full-time, two-year fixed-term appointment at grade P2. The vacancy may also be used to fill similar positions at the same grade.
How much experience do I need?
You need at least two years of professional HR experience covering recruitment, HR operations or talent programmes and financial management, and at least two years providing HR input and managing individual cases. Experience with digital and AI-enabled tools is also essential.
Do I need to speak French?
Expert English is essential. Intermediate French is desirable but not required.
Which HR systems should I know?
Experience with ERP and HR management systems such as Oracle, Workday or similar platforms is an advantage. Excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills are expected.
How does WHO screen candidates?
WHO may use a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment. Candidates retained for an interview must send scanned copies of their degrees in advance.
Does my degree need to be recognized?
Yes. WHO only considers higher education qualifications from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Can smokers apply?
No. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
Deadline
⏳ 19 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply on WHO Careers: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2603227
🏫 World Higher Education Database (WHED): https://www.whed.net/
🧭 WHO diversity, equity and inclusion (unrepresented and underrepresented Member States): https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
📧 Reasonable accommodation requests: reasonableaccommodation@who.int
🩺 Vaccination queries (Staff Health and Wellbeing Services): shws@who.int
ℹ️ WHO's operations: https://www.who.int
