Director, Health System And Services

Organizational Context

The Health Systems and Services (HSS) Cluster within WHO AFRO guides Member States in developing resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems using the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. It drives progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and SDGs by strengthening health governance, financing, workforce, service delivery, and national capacities in data, research, and innovation. The Cluster collaborates with other WHO clusters to ensure integrated action and health system resilience across the African Region.

Job Purpose

The Director of the Health Systems and Services (HSS) Cluster provides region-wide executive leadership and institutional stewardship to advance resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems across the WHO African Region. This role is critical for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning with GPW14 and the Regional Director's vision. The Director sets strategic direction, authorizes major policy orientations, and ensures the delivery of high-impact health systems results at scale. Serving as WHO AFRO’s principal executive interlocutor on health systems, the incumbent leads high-level policy dialogue, political engagement, and diplomacy with Member States and development partners, driving cross-cluster integration, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing resources to position WHO as a trusted leader in health systems strengthening.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and policy stewardship by advising the Regional Director on regional priorities, risks, and policy choices to accelerate progress towards UHC and SDGs. Shape, approve, and oversee the implementation of high-impact regional policies and strategies for health systems and services. Exercise executive oversight for integrated technical and policy support to Member States across various health system domains, championing people-centered approaches. Direct the strategic integration of HSS programs for scalable and resilient health systems, ensuring robust planning, performance monitoring, and accountability. Provide executive people leadership to foster a high-performing, values-driven workforce and manage the administrative and financial operations of the HSS Cluster. Represent WHO AFRO at high-level forums, leading policy dialogue, advocacy, and diplomatic engagement. Build and steward strategic partnerships and lead resource mobilization efforts. Drive cross-cluster collaboration to strengthen health system resilience and ensure continuity of essential services.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 15 years of progressive national and international public health experience, including at least 3 years in senior international management roles. Desirable: Experience in both developing and developed country contexts, diverse institutional settings (private sector, NGOs, UN, government), and proven experience in partnership building, resource mobilization, and donor engagement.

Skills

Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French (interchangeable). Proven senior-level leadership in designing, delivering, and managing complex international health programs. Deep technical expertise in health systems domains (governance, financing, workforce, service delivery, etc.). Strong analytical judgment, diplomatic acumen, and negotiation skills. Ability to navigate complex technical, political, and cultural environments. Skills in managing stakeholder relationships and building consensus.

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