Chief Health, P-5, Fixed Term #00118982 (24 months), Kabul, Afghanistan, APR (Non-Afghan Nationals Only)

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. Its fundamental mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, with an equity strategy focusing on the most disadvantaged. Afghanistan presents one of the most complex humanitarian and development environments globally, where UNICEF works to uphold children's rights amidst ongoing crises.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Health will provide strategic leadership for UNICEF's extensive health programme in Afghanistan, a country facing immense challenges from conflict, economic shocks, and disease. This pivotal role aims to shape health outcomes at scale, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, immunization, disease prevention, and health system strengthening. The position demands a leader capable of navigating complex environments, engaging effectively with diverse partners, and balancing immediate humanitarian needs with long-term sustainable development. It is crucial for advancing UNICEF's commitment to equity, ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to survive, develop, and thrive, particularly the most vulnerable women and children in this fragile context.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Health will provide strategic and managerial leadership to UNICEF's extensive health programme in Afghanistan, recognized as one of the organization's largest and most influential globally. This encompasses overseeing a broad and critical portfolio, including the development and implementation of maternal, newborn, and child health initiatives, comprehensive immunization campaigns, and robust disease prevention strategies. A core responsibility involves strengthening the national health system, enhancing its resilience, capacity, and reach to deliver essential services, particularly to vulnerable populations. The role also demands proactive leadership in emergency preparedness and response, ensuring timely and effective health interventions during humanitarian crises. Furthermore, the Chief will champion health equity, ensuring that the most disadvantaged and excluded children and women have equal access to vital health services and opportunities to thrive. This position requires adept navigation of Afghanistan's complex humanitarian and development landscape, fostering effective partnerships with de facto authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve programmatic goals. The incumbent is accountable for balancing immediate humanitarian priorities with sustainable, long-term systems strengthening to achieve lasting positive health outcomes for children and women across the country, while also managing a diverse team and resources effectively.

Work Experience

The role seeks an experienced, strategic, and highly accomplished Chief of Health. However, specific years or types of prior work experience are not detailed in the provided information.

Skills

Strategic leadership, Managerial leadership, Programme management (Health), Health system strengthening, Emergency preparedness and response, Partnership building, Stakeholder engagement, Navigating complex environments, Sound judgment, Balancing humanitarian and development priorities, Health equity advocacy, Team management

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