SSA-Tobacco Control Public Health Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Kenya supports the Ministry of Health in implementing tobacco control measures aligned with the WHO FCTC and global NCD targets. This role provides technical leadership and programmatic support to accelerate these efforts within Kenya, addressing challenges in law enforcement, regulation of new products, taxation, and cessation services.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to provide high-level technical and programmatic support to the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders in Kenya to strengthen tobacco control policies, legislation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The position contributes to advancing WHO FCTC implementation, enhancing surveillance and research, supporting enforcement, and integrating tobacco control into broader NCD and health promotion strategies, ensuring alignment with global best practices and WHO technical guidance.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support for reviewing, developing, and implementing tobacco control policies, strategies, and regulations consistent with WHO FCTC. Support regulatory frameworks for smoke-free environments, advertising bans, packaging, taxation, and emerging products. Facilitate national coordination and multi-sectoral engagement with government, civil society, academia, and partners. Strengthen tobacco surveillance systems, including data analysis and reporting. Assist in establishing and implementing quality tobacco cessation services and alternative livelihoods projects. Build national and county-level capacity through training and technical guidance. Prepare technical briefs, policy notes, and reports for advocacy and resource mobilization, ensuring integration into NCD and UHC frameworks. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum five years of progressive professional experience in public health, with at least three years in tobacco control, NCD prevention, health policy, or program management. Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and coordination. Experience working with government institutions and stakeholders. Desirable: Experience with UN agencies, international organizations, or development partners; legislative/policy processes; multi-sectoral coordination; surveillance and data analysis; familiarity with Kenya's health system; supporting tobacco control policy implementation.
Skills
Expert knowledge of English (written and verbal). Proficiency in standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Familiarity with virtual collaboration platforms, digital reporting tools, and online data management systems. Desirable: Advanced skills in data analysis and visualization (e.g., Excel, STATA, SPSS, Power BI); working knowledge of Kiswahili.