Public Health Specialist

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 disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on building the capacity of Member States to manage health emergencies and coordinate international health responses.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Specialist position is crucial for providing technical support to the health program in Sudan. The role involves assisting the Member State by offering expert advice to facilitate the successful implementation of national health systems. The specialist will contribute to the development of national strategies and policies, ensuring that public health systems are strengthened and effectively managed. This position requires the development and monitoring of work plans and budgets, as well as resource mobilization for the work program. The specialist will also critically analyze data, disseminate best practices, and propose extensions of healthcare networks. Capacity building in public health systems management and financing is a key function, along with serving as a technical resource for sustainable health systems that promote health equity and social justice. The role also includes community outreach activities and liaising with national counterparts and development partners to harmonize public health strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist technical support to the public health work program in Sudan.
• Assist the Member State with technically sound advice for national health systems implementation.
• Contribute to the development of national strategies and policies for public health.
• Develop and monitor work plans and budgets, including resource mobilization.
• Review data and provide high-level analyses on public health systems.
• Propose extensions of healthcare networks and social health protection mechanisms.
• Conduct capacity building in public health systems management.
• Serve as a technical resource for sustainable health systems.
• Coordinate community outreach activities for healthcare network extension. 1
• Liaise with national counterparts and development partners to harmonize public health strategies. 1
• Seek funding for new projects and work programs. 1
• Represent WHO at various meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Master's degree in medicine or public health. Candidates should have at least seven years of experience at both national and international levels in promoting public health programs and developing health capacity and policies. Desirable qualifications include firsthand working experience in a developing nation. Candidates must possess sound knowledge of public health systems development and management, excellent drafting and communication skills, and the ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Interpersonal skills, patience, and courtesy are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in medicine or public health. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health systems and for providing the necessary technical support to the health program in Sudan.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in public health, including promoting health programs, developing capacity, and formulating policies and strategies. Experience should encompass investigation, surveillance, preparedness, and control of diseases at both national and international levels. Candidates with experience in developing nations are particularly desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of public health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 84,672 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment based on the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. 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 emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.