Charu Mehta

Background

About Charu Mehta

Senior UN leader with 28 years of progressive experience across WHO and the UN system, currently serving as Director of Administration and Finance at IARC/WHO. My career spans regional, headquarters, and country-level assignments, combining deep institutional knowledge with hands-on leadership in complex and post-conflict contexts, including Timor-Leste and Indonesia.I have led large, multidisciplinary teams; advised senior executives and governing bodies; and worked closely with national authorities, UN Country Teams, and Resident Coordinators. My experience includes chairing the UN Operations Management Team in Indonesia, supporting UN system coordination, leading security and emergency preparedness, and representing WHO in high-level government engagements.In my current role, I work closely with the IARC Governing Council—comprising 30 Participating States—supporting strategic dialogue on assessed contributions, budget sustainability, and membership expansion. I also guide resource mobilization efforts and chair the Sustainable Research Agency Committee, advancing SDG-aligned sustainability initiatives within the organization.I am particularly interested in the intersection of international relations, multilateral governance, and development leadership, and in roles that require principled engagement with governments, diplomacy across diverse stakeholders, and stewardship of the UN’s collective impact at country level.