National Professional Officer - Health Promotion

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including health systems, disease prevention, and health promotion. The organization operates globally, focusing on improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to health services for all individuals, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer for Health Promotion will oversee the provision of technical and managerial expertise to develop, strengthen, and implement policies and programs aimed at enhancing national public health capacity in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health promotion. This role involves addressing the social, environmental, and economic determinants of health, with a focus on reducing preventable diseases and injuries. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations, to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for all populations, including marginalized groups such as refugees and migrants. The position requires a strategic approach to health promotion, leveraging evidence-based practices and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable health improvements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, review, and promotion of national health promotion policies and programs, including initiatives for healthy cities and settings.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder dialogues to enhance health and wellbeing across diverse population groups.
• Serve as the country focal point for health promotion, providing leadership and support for research, planning, implementation, and monitoring of health strategies.
• Advise the government on strengthening health promotion capacity, focusing on community-based interventions and supportive environments.
• Conduct capacity assessments and evidence reviews on health promotion practices and health inequities.
• Create partnerships and networks to enhance collaboration in combating communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Document lessons learned and best practices in addressing social determinants of health and equity.
• Provide technical guidance for Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) in public health emergencies.
• Support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in promoting equitable service delivery through a primary health care approach. 1
• Collaborate on the development and evaluation of health governance and policy programs supporting UHC. 1
• Assist the MoH in strengthening its health workforce and transforming health financing arrangements.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master's level) in health promotion, health education, or public health with a focus on health promotion or health policy.
• A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in coordinating, managing, implementing, and evaluating health promotion initiatives, including at least three years in a leadership role with government or international organizations.
• Practical knowledge of health systems in fragile settings and thorough understanding of public health policies and strategies.
• Expertise in multi-sectoral engagement and technical assistance at the national level.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in designing research studies for evidence-based health promotion interventions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven ability to organize and deliver training programs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's level) in health promotion, health education, or a related field such as public health with a focus on health promotion or health policy. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and the determinants of health, enabling effective policy development and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience, including significant experience in coordinating and managing health promotion initiatives. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in a leadership capacity, working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or international organizations at the national level. Experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and development partners, is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, and only applications from nationals of Syria will be accepted. The remuneration for this position includes an annual base salary starting at USD 33,152, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented member states. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.