World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Operations Officer in Abuja, Nigeria. This is a P5 international professional position offered on a two-year fixed-term appointment, providing an opportunity for an experienced operations and management professional to support the WHO country office in Nigeria.
The successful candidate will provide operational leadership across areas including finance, human resources, procurement, ICT, security and general administration, while advising the Head of the WHO Country Office on operational matters and supporting effective delivery in changing and emergency environments.
WHO Senior Operations Officer Job Overview
- Organisation: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Position: Senior Operations Officer
- Grade: P5
- Duty station: Abuja, Nigeria
- Contract: Fixed-term appointment
- Duration: 2 years
- Schedule: Full-time
- Job posting date: 14 August 2026
- Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM
About the Position
The Senior Operations Officer will provide guidance to the Head of the WHO Country Office in Nigeria and oversee the delivery of efficient, effective and timely operational services.
The position covers a broad portfolio, including:
- Financial and budget management
- Human resources
- Procurement
- Information and communications technology
- Security and staff safety
- General administration
- Operational risk management
- Business continuity and process improvement
The role is also expected to recommend adjustments and innovative approaches that respond to changes in the operating environment, particularly during emergencies.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Operations Officer will provide authoritative advice to WHO management and staff on country-office operations, interpreting policies and procedures and ensuring compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
Operations and Team Leadership
The successful candidate will lead, empower and manage operations teams responsible for finance, HR, procurement, ICT, security and administration. The role also provides strategic advice as a member of the country office management team.
Financial Management
Responsibilities include planning and monitoring income and expenditure, account reconciliation and reporting, budget preparation and management, and effective award and cash management.
Human Resources
The officer will advise and oversee the development and implementation of HR plans, covering recruitment, contract management, retention, performance management, professional development, career management, gender balance and diversity.
Procurement
The position will lead procurement of goods and services required by the country office and technical programmes while ensuring value for money and compliance with applicable procedures.
Security and Emergency Operations
The officer will ensure the provision of office and staff security and safety services. In emergency settings, the role will help establish and implement appropriate systems and procedures for managing human, financial and material resources within the incident management system.
Risk Management and Business Operations
The successful applicant will advise on operational and administrative risks, recommend mitigation measures, introduce innovations and coordinate with the Business Operations network on harmonised processes, workflows and business continuity planning.
The officer will also represent the WHO country office in UN operations management and other inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
Education Requirements
Applicants must have an advanced university degree (Master’s) in one of the following areas:
- Finance
- Management
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Business administration
- An equivalent field
A bachelor’s degree or training/certification in human resources, accounting, finance, or monitoring and evaluation is desirable.
Professional Experience
This is a senior-level international position requiring substantial professional experience.
Candidates must have:
- At least 10 years of relevant work experience delivering administrative and managerial services.
- Experience ensuring compliance with complex rules and procedures in national and international environments.
- At least 4 years of experience managing and leading staff or teams.
WHO considers the following experience desirable:
- Experience with WHO, UN funds and programmes, or equivalent organisations.
- Experience delivering operational services in a developing country.
- Experience managing operations and large teams during emergencies.
- Knowledge of programme management and end-to-end business processes.
- Knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems.
Skills and Competencies
The position requires strong knowledge of administrative, financial and management principles applicable to large international public-sector organisations.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- High-level managerial and analytical skills.
- Financial analysis and business strategy capabilities.
- Strong interdisciplinary team leadership.
- Ability to represent an organisation and negotiate with governments, UN agencies and development partners.
- Partnership-building and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
- Proficiency with computers and office software.
- Experience with web-based management systems.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and cloud management enterprise systems such as Workday.
Language Requirement
Expert-level English is essential, including the ability to read, write and speak English effectively.
WHO Global Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate WHO’s global competencies, including:
- Teamwork
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Communication
- Producing results
- Ensuring effective use of resources
- Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Additional Information
WHO notes that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or asynchronous video assessment.
Candidates retained for interview may also be required to provide scanned copies of the relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates.
WHO also states that women, persons with disabilities and nationals of unrepresented or underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official WHO Careers recruitment system for vacancy 2603442 – Senior Operations Officer.
Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Because this is a P5 international professional position, applicants should carefully review the education, experience, leadership and international operations requirements before applying.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Senior Operations Officer job in Nigeria is a senior international opportunity for an experienced operations professional with strong expertise in administration, finance, HR, procurement, ICT, security and organisational management.
With a P5 grade, a two-year fixed-term appointment, and responsibility for supporting operations across the WHO Nigeria country office, the role is particularly suited to professionals with extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex operational environments.
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