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 disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response. The organization operates globally, focusing on improving health systems, addressing health emergencies, and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer for Health Promotion will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity to develop and implement policies and strategies aimed at preventing and controlling both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This position involves working closely with regional and district levels to implement evidence-based interventions across various health sectors. The officer will be responsible for leading the development and promotion of national health policies, coordinating multi-stakeholder dialogues, and providing technical support to strengthen health promotion capacities. The role also includes creating partnerships to combat health issues and documenting best practices in health promotion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, review, and promotion of national health policies and programs focused on health promotion, including initiatives for healthy cities and physical activity.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder dialogues to promote health and wellbeing across diverse population groups.
• Act as the country focal point for health promotion, supporting research and the implementation of health policies and strategies.
• Provide technical advice to the government to enhance health promotion capacity, including developing strategies for supportive environments that reduce risk factors for diseases.
• Create partnerships to strengthen collaboration in combating communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Document lessons learned and best practices in addressing social determinants of health.
• Provide guidance on risk communication and community engagement in public health emergencies.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree in social sciences or related disciplines from a recognized institution. Desirable: A master's degree in health promotion or formal training in social mobilization. Candidates should possess theoretical and practical knowledge of community engagement approaches in diverse cultural settings, proven expertise in health awareness initiatives, and the ability to design sensitization materials using advanced technologies. Skills in promoting health equity initiatives are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in social sciences or related fields. A master's degree in health promotion or equivalent training in social mobilization is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise in health promotion strategies and community engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of national experience in the health promotion field, particularly in community awareness initiatives related to health topics. Experience in social mobilization and risk mitigation activities is also desirable, showcasing the candidate's ability to engage communities effectively and implement health strategies.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of Portuguese is required. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of English and French is beneficial, allowing for broader communication and collaboration within the international health community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Guinea-Bissau will be accepted. The remuneration includes an annual base salary starting at XOF 21,352,000, with mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The position may involve a written test or video assessment as part of the screening process. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.