WHO Health Leadership Service (HLS) opportunity The World Health Organization is recruiting young health professionals to a two-year work and training programme, specifically aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills essential for leadership roles in public health at all levels - international, national and local. The global effort to combat poverty, inequities, disease and epidemics calls for dynamic and capable leaders. These future leaders need to start their careers today, and they need continually to build their competences as their responsibilities increase. At the centre of WHO's network of leading international and national public health experts, the HLS will offer a particularly rich learning environment. It will take advantage of this unique position to provide challenging assignments and special missions for the next generations of public health leaders. Who should apply? * You should be under 38 years of age on 1 February 2005, with an advanced degree in a public health-related field and good basic knowledge of epidemiology and public health sciences. * You should have at least two years' work experience in a public health area, preferably in a developing country. * You should have a very good knowledge of English, as all formal courses will be conducted in English. A good working knowledge of another WHO official language is desirable. * Women and nationals of developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. What do we offer? 1. An intensive two-year programme of structured learning and hands-on work experience that will develop competence in six broad areas: strategic thinking in a global and country environment; ethics and equity; health systems development; knowledge and project management; personal leadership skills (including communication and negotiation skills); technical skills. 2. Formal training will be given by international experts at WHO headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland. It will consist of an introductory course, two mid-programme courses and a final conference session at the end of the programme. 3. A global alumni network for life. As WHO's Health Leadership Service expands, the high esprit de corps fostered among HLS Officers will lead to a close-knit community of graduates, supporting their future development and facilitating international collaboration and partnerships, especially in responding to health emergencies. 4. HLS Officers will be recruited as WHO fixed-term staff at the P.02 level. Where? Most HLS Officers will be assigned to work at country level, though some assignments may be made to WHO regional offices. When? The programme will start with a four-week introductory course at WHO headquarters on 1 February 2005 and will last for two years. How do I apply? Online at: http://www.who.int/health_leadership or by emailing hlsmailbox@who.int. The deadline is 15 September 2004 Dr Claudia Stein, MD, MSc, PhD, MFPHM Coordinator Leadership, Management and Fellowships (LMF) Human Resources for Health (HRH) Evidence and Information for Policy (EIP) World Health Organization hlsmailbox@who.int