Public Health Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) established to promote international collaboration in cancer research. The IARC focuses on evaluating and implementing cancer prevention and early detection strategies globally, working with various stakeholders including Ministries of Health and WHO offices. The agency aims to improve cancer control plans and quality assurance in cancer early detection programs, thereby addressing the growing global priority of cancer control as part of the non-communicable disease agenda.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in leading and coordinating complex, multi-country public health projects focused on cancer control. This position involves evaluating cancer control policies and practices, strengthening capacity for the implementation of population-based cancer early detection programs, and ensuring alignment with WHO/IARC guidelines. The coordinator will be responsible for managing project planning, stakeholder engagement, and overseeing in-country activities. The role emphasizes strategic leadership and coordination with national and international stakeholders to advance research in cancer prevention and early detection. The incumbent will conduct health system analyses, produce actionable outputs such as reports and guidelines, and provide operational support to partner institutions. Additionally, the coordinator will be involved in capacity building through training programs and mentoring junior staff, while also securing funding for projects aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate multi-country public health projects in cancer control, focusing on evaluating cancer control policies and practices.
• Provide high-level technical support and strategic advice to stakeholders, including national health authorities.
• Represent IARC/WHO at high-level technical meetings and consultations.
• Coordinate country missions and multi-stakeholder engagements.
• Develop protocols and analytical tools to assess health information systems and evaluate ongoing cancer early detection programs.
• Independently evaluate the performance of existing cancer early detection programs through situational analyses and stakeholder engagement.
• Design context-specific recommendations and implementation plans aligned with WHO frameworks.
• Serve as the technical focal point for multi-country projects in early detection.
• Provide technical support for program implementation and field studies. 1
• Ensure methodological rigor and quality assurance across project phases. 1
• Draft reports, guidelines, and policy documents. 1
• Design and implement capacity-building initiatives and mentor junior staff. 1
• Develop grant applications and donor reports to sustain EPR program activities. 1
• Contribute to the development of cross-cutting EPR priorities and lead implementation of externally funded projects.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an MD or MBBS with a specialization or Master’s in Public Health or a closely related field. A PhD in Public Health or a related field is desirable. Candidates must have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation, with at least 2 years at the international level, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection. Experience working directly with Ministries of Health and international stakeholders is essential, along with proven leadership in managing public health projects and technical teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an MD or MBBS degree, with a specialization or Master’s in Public Health or a closely related field. A PhD in Public Health or another closely related field is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field of public health.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation, with a minimum of 2 years at the international level. Experience in cancer prevention and early detection is crucial, as well as demonstrated experience working with Ministries of Health and international stakeholders. Proven leadership in managing public health projects and technical teams is essential for this role.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. A working knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package starting at USD 70,212 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role may involve a written test and/or presentation as part of the screening process. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, and the organization is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. The position may require mobility, as candidates may be assigned to different duty stations globally.