Programme Assistant

Looking to build your career in programme support and administration within the United Nations system? WHO is hiring an SSA – Programme Assistant (GS.5) in Nairobi, Kenya to support programme coordination, administrative operations, correspondence management, meeting logistics, travel arrangements, and technical documentation within the WHO Kenya country office.

This WHO Programme Assistant Kenya opportunity is ideal for experienced administrative and programme support professionals with strong organizational, communication, coordination, and office management skills seeking to work in a fast-paced international public health environment while contributing to global health and development initiatives.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced administrative and programme support professionals seeking to work in a fast-paced international public health environment while contributing to global health and development initiatives.

Job Details

• Position: SSA – Programme Assistant (GS.5)
• Contract Type: Special Services Agreement (SSA)
• Contract Duration: Six months
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Organization: WHO Kenya
• Schedule: Full-time
• Application Deadline: 21st May 2026

Objectives of the Programme

The country team is responsible for promoting technical cooperation, stimulating interest and coordinating assistance for health development based on global and regional strategies and WHO guidelines. It is also responsible for contributing to the collection, analysis and dissemination of health information.

Description of Duties

1. Initiate correspondence projects on the orientation of Program Managers; finalize them in accordance with WHO and departmental styles and check language, grammar and accuracy before submission for approval and signature.
2. Organize the administrative preparation of internal and external meetings, including the preparation of business plans and financial commitment documents in GSM / Oracle, letters of invitation, cost estimates and travel requests; assist in the preparation of documents; sending materials and liaising with participants and others involved.
3. Analyze correspondence and requests received, highlight incoming documents and attach background information and identify areas requiring action by Program Managers, drawing attention to important issues. Schedule meetings of Program Administrators, according to schedules and needs; take minutes of meetings and follow up on issues requiring action to ensure prompt response to WHO requests.
4. Obtain information documents for meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. which Program Administrators take part in, verify their availability and ensure that they have the appropriate information files and documents.
5. Ensure that technical reports and documents conform to WHO standards, rules, practices, procedures and editing style and correct them as necessary prior to submission to the Representative’s signature.
6. Use appropriate monitoring tools, monitor and ensure deadlines are met, and correspondence and requests are analyzed and processed as soon as possible.
7. Use GSM to prepare travel plans and travel requests for official travel by Program Administrators. Make airline and hotel reservations, prepare travel records, and handle other related matters upon request.
8. Track the implementation of missions’ recommendations.
9. Perform other related duties as required or directed, including support to the Administration and the Representative’s Office.

Required Qualifications

Education

Essential: Completion of secondary school followed by Administrative training.

Desirable: University degree in Business Administration or related field.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a recognized public or private institution.

Desirable: Experience in administrative support positions within WHO or another UN agency is an asset.

Experience in Oracle-based systems or another ERP-like system is an asset.

Skills

• Proficiency in modern office technology
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and practices
• Ability to adapt to organizational changes and regulations
• Strong communication and coordination skills

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Producing results

Language Requirements

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Swahili.

Remuneration

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, including an annual net base salary starting at KES 2,764,116, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable, plus 30 days of annual leave.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or asynchronous video assessment may be used during screening.
• WHO promotes diversity, inclusion, gender parity, and equal opportunity in recruitment.
• The organization maintains zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• This position is subject to local recruitment within the duty station commuting area.

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