WHO Research Scientist (Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) Job 2026: P5 Research Leadership Role Paying $103,165 + $7,686 Monthly Post Adjustment

WHO Research Scientist ASRHR Job 2026 | P5 Geneva

WHO is hiring a P5 Scientist for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights research in Geneva. The two-year role offers a $103,165 base salary plus a $7,686 monthly post adjustment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recruiting a Scientist – Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at P5 level in Geneva, Switzerland. The full-time position is a two-year fixed-term appointment focused on international research, evidence generation and policy development.

Applications close on 9 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.

About the WHO Research Scientist Role

The position is part of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Ageing Health (LHR) and works within the Rights and Equality Across the Life Course Unit.

The role focuses on strengthening research and evidence related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, including supporting research capacity, policy development and the use of scientific evidence.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

Provide senior technical and scientific leadership on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Develop and oversee research agendas and priorities.
Lead research projects from protocol development through publication.
Identify and work with national research institutions and partners.
Organize scientific meetings and training activities.
Monitor research sites and oversee participating research institutions.
Support research data management and analysis.
Conduct and commission systematic literature reviews.
Contribute to evidence-based guidelines.
Prepare technical reports for WHO, advisory bodies and donors.
Publish research findings in scientific literature.
Build partnerships with governments, NGOs, researchers and other stakeholders.
Support fundraising to increase resources for this area of work.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have 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.

WHO requires:

At least 10 years of direct experience in international research and research management relating to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
At least 5 years of experience leading research projects in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
At least 7 years of experience developing policies and/or implementing programmes related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Experience in low- and middle-income countries.

Experience with a UN agency or international NGO in low- and middle-income countries is desirable.

Applicants should also demonstrate strong research leadership, analytical and scientific writing skills, fundraising experience and communication abilities.

Language Requirements

Expert knowledge of English is essential.

Expert knowledge of French is desirable, along with intermediate knowledge of another UN language.

Salary and Benefits

The WHO vacancy states that the annual base salary starts at US$103,165, subject to applicable deductions.

The current Geneva post adjustment is listed as US$7,686 per month.

Other benefits include:

30 days of annual leave.
Dependent family allowances.
Home leave.
Education grants for eligible dependent children.
Parental leave and flexible working arrangements.

The post adjustment is variable and reflects the cost of living at the duty station.

Job Details

Detail	Information
Organization	World Health Organization
Position	Scientist – Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Grade	P5
Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Contract	Fixed-term appointment
Duration	2 years
Schedule	Full-time
Base salary	From US$103,165 annually
Post adjustment	US$7,686 per month
Deadline	9 October 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official WHO careers portal.

WHO notes that a written test and/or asynchronous video assessment may be used during screening.

Candidates under serious consideration may be required to provide copies of their academic degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Application deadline: 9 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WHO Research Scientist position?

It is a P5 research and technical leadership position focused on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights at WHO headquarters in Geneva.

Where is the position based?

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

What experience is required?

WHO requires at least 10 years of direct international research and research management experience in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, including experience in low- and middle-income countries.