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World Health Organization

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World Health Organization reviews

3.8

81% would recommend to a friend

(606 total reviews)

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

80% approve of CEO

51% positive business outlook

World Health Organization has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 606 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The World Health Organization employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Salud industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

606 reviews
1.0
Jan 17, 2017

WHO Consultant

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

As the world’s leading public health agency it is initially very exciting to work for WHO. Fantastic for networking amongst a very international, diverse work force.

Cons

Lack of stability. Most employees are consultants/interns. I was shocked at the attitudes and competencies of some of the permanent middle management / senior staff. The organisation seems resistant to taking on permanent positions as it is very difficult to terminate employment. It appears to get rid of a permeant staff member who is difficult to work with/incompetent from your team, you need to promote them out of the unit/department etc. I can’t image such staff would survive a restructuring process in a private sector company. The organisation as a whole is shockingly inefficient and incredibly bureaucratic.

2.0
Aug 19, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You will work for the United Nations for the betterment of humanity's health and wellbeing, along with so many incredible, intelligent, motivated and wonderful people. It's a real honor, and the colleagues at your side are what will get you through the day (in many cases). Also great pay (tax free if on a staff contract) and good benefits.

Cons

The system of management is completely broken, at all levels. Technical staff are promoted into management roles with no management skills at all. Archaic systems are made more unbearable by a hierarchical system separating technical staff from 'support' staff, even in extremely taxing administrative positions with huge responsibility without which the Organization would not operate. Focus on holding meetings and producing reports, without any consideration of how their work, time and precious money should be spent most effectively. Work life balance is terrible unless you flat out refuse and insist on leaving - if you show any inclination to work hard it will be taken advantage of to burnout and beyond.

4.0
Oct 1, 2018

Project Manager

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Opportunity to work with experts in public health and contribute to the development of international standards and guidelines

Cons

Lack of funding to provide job stability. There are more temporary and consulting positions available than permanent positions.

Viewing 4 - 6 of 606 Reviews

Glassdoor has 1,106 World Health Organization reviews submitted anonymously by World Health Organization employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if World Health Organization is right for you.