Programme Policy Officer for Advocacy- Podcast Series Production
World Food Programme (WFP)
Harare
Zimbabwe
January 6, 2026
Full-timeJanuary 6, 2026
Public Health Specialist
World Health Organization (WHO) About
Our goal is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world. Working through offices in more than 150 countries, WHO staff work side by side with governments and other partners to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people.
Together we strive to combat diseases – infectious diseases like influenza and HIV and noncommunicable ones like cancer and heart disease. We help mothers and children survive and thrive so they can look forward to a healthy old age. We ensure the safety of the air people breathe, the food they eat, the water they drink – and the medicines and vaccines they need.
WHO began when our Constitution came into force on 7 April 1948 – a date we now celebrate every year as World Health Day. We are now more than 7000 people working in 150 country offices, in 6 regional offices and at our headquarters in Geneva.
Job Description
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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.
Job Overview:
The Public Health Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing the institutional framework of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) in Zimbabwe. This position requires the incumbent to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and relevant stakeholders. The focus will be on governance, surveillance, workforce development, and financial sustainability. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the NPHI aligns with international best practices and WHO standards, facilitating collaboration among various sectors, and promoting evidence-based decision-making in public health policy. The role also involves developing strategies for workforce capacity building and resource mobilization to ensure the sustainability of public health initiatives in Zimbabwe.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Health Specialist include:
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Public Health Specialist position include:
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Health Sciences degree, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Policy, or a related field from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree in Public Health from a recognized institution is desirable and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.
Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in public health, particularly in institutional development and collaboration with WHO or UN agencies. Candidates should have proven experience in supporting government institutions, ideally in Zimbabwe, and demonstrated experience in workforce development and capacity building. Desirable experience includes the ability to monitor program performance and develop strategies to address any issues that arise.
Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may enhance communication with international stakeholders. The language requirements are interchangeable, allowing for flexibility in language proficiency.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Zimbabwe will be accepted. The remuneration for this position includes an annual base salary starting at USD 65,324, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role offers 30 days of annual leave. Additional information includes that the vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. 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 nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.
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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and ensure that everyone can enjoy better health and well-being.
Job Overview:
The Public Health Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing the institutional framework of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) in Zimbabwe. This position requires the incumbent to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and relevant stakeholders. The focus will be on governance, surveillance, workforce development, and financial sustainability. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the NPHI aligns with international best practices and WHO standards, facilitating collaboration among various sectors, and promoting evidence-based decision-making in public health policy. The role also involves developing strategies for workforce capacity building and resource mobilization to ensure the sustainability of public health initiatives in Zimbabwe.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Health Specialist include:
- Institutional Development & Governance: Provide technical assistance in finalizing the legal and policy framework for the NPHI, support the development of its organizational structure, and ensure alignment with international standards.
- Workforce Development & Capacity Building: Collaborate with tertiary institutions to develop a comprehensive public health workforce strategy, assist in expanding the Field Epidemiology Training Program, and promote gender equity in workforce development.
- Research, Policy, and Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Assist in developing a national public health research agenda, strengthen institutional capacity for operational research, and promote data-driven decision-making.
- Financial Sustainability & Resource Mobilization: Develop a sustainability strategy for the NPHI, assist in mobilizing financial resources, and advocate for increased public sector investment in public health.
- Reporting: Prepare periodic technical and financial reports as required by WHO, donors, and partners, and support scientific publications from project activities.
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Public Health Specialist position include:
- Education: A degree in Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Policy, or a related field from a recognized university is essential. A postgraduate degree in Public Health is desirable.
- Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in public health, institutional development, and working with WHO or UN agencies is essential. Proven experience in supporting government institutions, particularly in Zimbabwe, and demonstrated experience in workforce development and capacity building are also required. Desirable experience includes monitoring program performance and developing mitigatory measures.
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Health Sciences degree, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Policy, or a related field from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree in Public Health from a recognized institution is desirable and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.
Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in public health, particularly in institutional development and collaboration with WHO or UN agencies. Candidates should have proven experience in supporting government institutions, ideally in Zimbabwe, and demonstrated experience in workforce development and capacity building. Desirable experience includes the ability to monitor program performance and develop strategies to address any issues that arise.
Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as it may enhance communication with international stakeholders. The language requirements are interchangeable, allowing for flexibility in language proficiency.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Zimbabwe will be accepted. The remuneration for this position includes an annual base salary starting at USD 65,324, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role offers 30 days of annual leave. Additional information includes that the vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. 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 nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
