Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinator

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 more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO works with countries to improve health systems, respond to health emergencies, and promote health and well-being for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Coordinator will lead, manage, and coordinate the development and implementation of action plans and programs related to health promotion and disease prevention in Bangladesh. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing communicable and noncommunicable disease programs, immunization initiatives, and environmental health concerns. The incumbent will adopt a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, to enhance public health actions aimed at reducing preventable diseases and improving maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. The position requires collaboration with various sectors beyond health to achieve common objectives that enhance the health and well-being of the population.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee technical and managerial coordination in designated areas through a One Health approach, ensuring efficient and effective activity execution.
• Provide and advance technical expertise to advise government and national stakeholders on developing national strategies and policies for health promotion and disease prevention.
• Lead the adaptation and implementation of WHO evidence-based norms, standards, guidelines, and tools across program areas.
• Develop and monitor work plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with national counterparts.
• Advance data analysis and knowledge sharing on best practices in healthier population programs.
• Mobilize and optimize resources for projects and programs through partnerships with donors and development partners.
• Coordinate capacity-building programs in health promotion and disease prevention.
• Engage with other sectors to identify and advance common health objectives.
• Serve as a technical resource for multisectoral integration of health programs. 1
• Represent WHO in designated forums and act as a technical focal point for health promotion initiatives. 1
• Promote innovative community outreach activities to expand health networks. 1
• Establish monitoring and surveillance systems and lead data collection efforts. 1
• Contribute to planning and monitoring WHO operations in Cox’s Bazar, aligning with national strategies. 1
• Provide regular updates to WCO Dhaka and support implementation of projects in Cox’s Bazar. 1
• Liaise with local health authorities to strengthen operational collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree (master’s level) in public health or a related field. Desirable qualifications include postgraduate training or specialization in health systems. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience in public health, with significant experience at the international level. A minimum of four years of experience in healthier population programs is required, along with professional experience providing technical advice to Member States and partners on public health initiatives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level) in a relevant field such as public health or a related area. A postgraduate specialization in health systems is desirable, indicating a deeper understanding of health system dynamics and management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in public health, particularly in developing and implementing health policies and programs. A significant portion of this experience should be at the international level, with at least four years specifically in healthier population programs. Experience working at the country or regional level providing technical advice and services is essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is required for reading, writing, and speaking. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 92,731 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependents, home leave, and an education grant for children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before assignment, and the organization maintains a smoke-free environment.