Health Literacy and Behavioural Insights 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. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO operates in various regions, including Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Western Pacific. The organization focuses on health systems strengthening, disease prevention, and health promotion, working collaboratively with countries to improve health outcomes and ensure equitable access to health services.

Job Overview:
The Health Literacy and Behavioural Insights Coordinator will play a crucial role in coordinating health literacy and behavioural insights-related work at the regional level, collaborating closely with Member States. This position aims to explore, document, and disseminate the value of health literacy initiatives in improving health access and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours. The coordinator will be responsible for project coordination, formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with country focal points, researchers, and partners. The role also involves building capacity in Member States through workshops and training activities, developing guidance documents, policy recommendations, and toolkits, and promoting the use of behavioural insights methods through advocacy and representation at various events. Additionally, the coordinator will contribute to WHO's emergency efforts by applying behavioural insights methods in health emergency response and preparedness work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Member States and WHO Country Offices to plan and implement behavioural and cultural insights research and projects, focusing on health literacy and identifying barriers to healthy practices.
• Provide technical support and coordinate the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of projects in collaboration with Member States and partners.
• Engage as a planner and facilitator in workshops and training activities to build capacity in Member States.
• Develop guidance documents, policy recommendations, evidence mappings, case studies, and toolkits based on behavioural and cultural insights.
• Liaise and build partnerships with international organizations, development agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to strengthen coordinated efforts in health literacy and behavioural insights.
• Advocate for the use of behavioural and cultural insights methods among peers in Member States and partners, representing WHO at conferences and scientific meetings.
• Contribute to WHO's emergency response efforts by applying behavioural insights methods in health emergency preparedness.
• Perform other duties as required to support the objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree (Bachelor's level) in humanities, public health, or social sciences such as psychology, anthropology, sociology, or international development. Desirable: A Master's level degree or additional training in relevant fields. In-depth knowledge of social science and behavioural insights methods, particularly in health literacy, is essential. Strong interpersonal communication, written communication, and presentation skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment. Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage one's own emotions while supporting others are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the Bachelor's level in relevant fields such as humanities, public health, or social sciences. A Master's degree or additional training in these areas is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in health literacy and behavioural insights.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience working in fields relevant to behavioural and cultural insights, health literacy, and public health at national or international levels. Experience working with WHO, the UN, or in multi/bilateral agencies active in the health sector is desirable. Familiarity with national health ministries or agencies is also beneficial, as it demonstrates an understanding of the operational context in which health policies are developed and implemented.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Russian is required for effective communication and collaboration. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French and/or German is advantageous, as it may facilitate interactions with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the European Region.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335, with additional benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, as WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and integrity in its workforce, with a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive conduct. Candidates should be prepared for a background verification process and may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process.