ABOUT US
The WHO Foundation (WHOF), launched in May 2020 and headquartered in Geneva, was created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO. Its mission is to mobilize greater private capital and partnership to advance the mission of the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling catalytic impact on the people whose lives rely on WHO’s work and facilitating innovation to maximize the impact of the resources we invest.
WHO plays a singular role in leading the global health ecosystem, acting as a first-responder to health crises — including the current conflict in Ukraine and on behalf of the 15+ million people in urgent need of aid in Horn of Africa; producing technical guidelines and tools to prevent and treat disease; and acting as a country-level convener with an unparalleled level of trust. The crises of the 21st century, including COVID-19, have made clear both the inequity of access to effective and affordable healthcare and the indispensable role of WHO. Yet WHO lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate. And, beyond funding, its vision cannot be achieved by the public sector alone.
The WHO Foundation was therefore created as an independent Swiss foundation affiliated with but independent of WHO to marshal new resources from philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and individuals to support its mission: promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, while protecting the neutrality and independence of WHO as the world’s leading health authority. WHOF is a nexus for unique opportunities in global health, facilitating game-changing opportunities between the private sector and WHO. Our focus is on mobilizing grant income, shared value partnerships, and investment to power WHO’s work.
PURPOSE
The Head of Brand & Content is a senior leadership role responsible for harnessing the power of brand and creative content in ways that expand the WHO Foundation’s reach, revenue and reputation. The Brand and Creative Content unit is responsible for leading the brand proposition, and delivering high impact, quality content that supports the organisation to achieve its objectives.
This role will enhance WHO Foundation’s brand identity, drive consistency and ensure high-quality, insight-driven content, using strategic narrative approaches that build audience trust in the WHO and the positive impact it makes on the global health landscape. Specifically, the postholder will strengthen WHO Foundation’s visibility, credibility, and fundraising effectiveness across key audiences including philanthropists, foundations, corporations, high-net-worth individuals, multilateral stakeholders, and the general public.
REPORTS TO
The Head of Brand and Content will report directly to the Director of Communications.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Strategy & Governance
* Develop and lead a comprehensive global brand and narrative strategy aligned with WHOF’s mission and growth objectives.
* Define brand positioning, messaging architecture, tone of voice, and visual identity standards and ensure consistency across all products and activities.
* Establish brand governance frameworks and safeguard reputational integrity.
* Content Strategy & Narrative Leadership
* Translate complex global health priorities into compelling, accessible narratives.
* Oversee flagship storytelling products including impact reports, case studies, campaigns, and multimedia assets.
* Ensure content reflects equity, dignity, and inclusive representation.
Donor Communications Partnership
* Create Communications Plans for impact themes and donor partnerships like press releases, social media visibility posts, and other creative activities.
* Embed storytelling into fundraising strategy and major appeals.
* Develop high-impact narratives for thematic campaigns and strategic initiatives.
* Guide digital-first content creation aligned with conversion goals.
Digital & Channel Oversight
* Oversee brand and content alignment across website, social media, email marketing, and events.
* Use analytics and audience insights to refine positioning and performance.
Leadership & Management
* Lead and develop the brand and content team.
* Manage external agencies and creative partners.
* Oversee budgeting, procurement, and KPI reporting for the workstream.
Executive & Thought Leadership
* Working closely with the Communications Director, support CEO and senior leadership with thought leadership positioning.
* Develop messaging and talking points for global forums and donor engagement.
Crisis & Reputation Management
* Provide narrative leadership in crisis situations.
* Ensure alignment with WHO positioning and governance frameworks.
DELIVERABLES & PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
* Global brand strategy implemented within the first 6 months.
* Unified messaging framework adopted organization wide.
* Increased brand visibility and engagement metrics.
* Measurable contribution to fundraising performance.
* High-quality annual flagship publications delivered.
PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS
* 10–12 years of progressive leadership experience in brand strategy or strategic communications.
* In house experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, global health, or multilateral sectors preferred
* Experience managing agencies and cross-functional teams with significant experience of developing and implementing global brand and content strategies within complex organisations, as well as in leading initiatives that require deep multi-stakeholder engagement.
* Significant experience of developing and implementing global brand and content strategies within complex organisations, as well as in leading initiatives that require deep multi-stakeholder engagement.
* Evidence of successful brand building and content leadership in a fast paced fundraising environment, and in developing and implementing donor acquisition and stewardship journeys across diverse donor portfolios.
* Experience of managing production coordination and project management flows while remaining adaptable to changing needs, pressures and opportunities. Knowledge and understanding of how to drive narrative approaches that increase trust and credibility.
* Managing agencies and freelancers in the procurement and production of high-quality content across various platforms for multiple markets and fundraising audiences.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with other UN languages a distinct advantage.
* Exceptional ability to craft compelling stories that align with the organisation's mission and that resonate with diverse fundraising audiences.
* Innovative mindset for devising unique solutions that enhance brand identity.
* Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including internal teams and external partners.
* Able to build and maintain effective relationships across departments to promote a unified and compelling brand experience across the organisation.
* Adept at understanding market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor analysis to inform strategic decision-making. Proficiency in data interpretation to monitor, refine, and optimise brand strategies.
WHAT WE OFFER
* Rewarding work in a dynamic and innovative non-profit environment with appealing growth and learning opportunities
* A collaborative workplace within a truly global team
* An agile, fast-moving and flexible environment
* Potential to leverage a multinational name and organization in the form of WHO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Type of contract: Permanent
* Location: Either based in Geneva or remote based elsewhere in Europe
* Working rate: 100%
* Estimated start date: ASAP
* Application deadline: 27.03.2026
This is a rolling process; applications will be reviewed as they arrive.
The WHO Foundation puts equity at the center of all its work and is committed to building, fostering, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment and advancement opportunities are based upon individual qualifications, regardless of gender, color, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, nationality, cultural & religious background, beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and marital status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
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