WHO JPO Programme 2026: Paid Global Health Role in Denmark for Young Professionals

The WHO JPO Programme 2026 offers a fully paid international opportunity for early-career public health professionals from eligible developing countries to gain hands-on experience with the World Health Organization. Based in Copenhagen and funded by the Government of the Netherlands, this Junior Professional Officer (JPO) role focuses on advancing sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health across the WHO European Region.

This opportunity is designed for young professionals who are ready to contribute to global health systems while building a long-term career in international development. With structured training, mentorship, and exposure to high-level policy work, the programme provides a strong foundation for those seeking to work within the United Nations system.

About the Program

The WHO JPO Programme is part of a broader initiative to strengthen global health leadership by equipping early-career professionals with practical experience in international organizations. This specific position sits within the Division of Health Systems at WHO, which supports countries in building resilient, people-centred healthcare systems.

As a JPO, you will work on issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal and newborn care, and adolescent health. The role includes contributing to policy development, supporting country-level implementation, and collaborating with global partners such as UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank.

The programme also includes a structured learning component. Participants gain insight into WHO’s operations at regional and global levels while developing technical, analytical, and leadership skills. A dedicated training and travel allowance further supports professional development throughout the assignment.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Global health systems continue to face significant challenges, particularly in ensuring equitable access to quality care for women, children, and vulnerable populations. Addressing gaps in maternal and newborn health, as well as advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, remains a priority for many countries.

This opportunity is important because it places young professionals at the centre of these efforts. By working directly with WHO and its partners, participants contribute to real-world solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen systems at scale.

At the same time, the programme helps bridge the gap between academic training and practical experience. It enables emerging professionals from developing countries to access global platforms, contribute to international policy discussions, and bring valuable perspectives from their home contexts.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants in the WHO JPO Programme benefit from a comprehensive professional development experience. Beyond gaining technical knowledge, they develop the skills and networks needed to succeed in global health careers.

The role offers direct exposure to international health policy and systems strengthening, allowing participants to work on real projects that impact multiple countries. You will build strong analytical and research skills through data collection, policy reviews, and reporting tasks.

In addition, the programme provides opportunities to collaborate with leading international organizations and experts, expanding your professional network. The structured supervision and mentorship ensure continuous learning, while the annual training allowance supports further skill development.

Overall, the experience positions participants for future roles within the United Nations system or other global health institutions.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to early-career professionals who meet specific academic and professional requirements. Applicants should have a background in public health, medicine, or a related field, along with relevant experience in maternal, newborn, or reproductive health.

Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work in multicultural environments, and a commitment to advancing health equity. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of another WHO official language is considered an advantage.

Applicants should also be under the age of 32 at the time of application and must not have extensive prior experience within the UN system.

Eligible Areas

This JPO position is exclusively open to nationals from selected developing countries under the Netherlands-sponsored programme. Eligible countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Yemen, and the State of Palestine.

Applicants must have completed a substantial part of their academic training in one of these countries.

Application Process and Deadline

To apply, candidates must submit an online application through the official UNDP or WHO careers portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, academic credentials, and proof of nationality.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to further assessments or interviews as part of the selection process.

The application deadline is 5 May 2026, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure all required documents are submitted on time.

Learn more and apply on the official job posting.

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