Public Health Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Office of the Regional Director (ORD) in the African Region provides leadership and coordination for WHO's work, ensuring regional needs are integrated into global health policies. It collaborates with member states, partners, and stakeholders to advance health strategies and improve health outcomes through Primary Health Care.

Job Purpose

This role provides specialist technical support in public health to assigned countries within the African Region, assisting Member States in implementing national health systems. The position contributes to developing national health strategies and policies, offering expert advice and recommendations. It involves monitoring work plans, budgets, and resource mobilization, alongside analyzing data and disseminating best practices. The role also focuses on capacity building, serving as a public resource on sustainable health systems, coordinating outreach activities, and liaising with national and international partners to harmonize public health strategies and secure funding for new initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide specialist technical support and advice for public health programs and national health systems. Contribute to the development of national health strategies, policies, and action plans. Develop, monitor, and manage work plans and budgets, including resource mobilization. Analyze data, identify best practices, and disseminate information on sustainable public health systems. Conduct capacity-building initiatives in public health systems management and financing. Act as a technical resource for public health matters, including health equity and social justice. Coordinate community outreach activities to extend healthcare networks. Liaise with national counterparts, WHO headquarters, and international partners to align policy recommendations. Seek funding for new projects and represent WHO in relevant meetings.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of seven years of relevant experience at national or international levels in public health, including monitoring and evaluation of health programs. Desirable: Experience working within the United Nations system or other international organizations.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to write technical and scientific reports. Strong analytical and summarization skills for strategic global health issues. Proven ability to negotiate and establish new partnerships. Excellent analytical and writing skills. Proficiency in English (expert level) and French (intermediate level).

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