Health Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on investing in groundbreaking projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. Their mission is to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, helping them to improve their economic prospects and quality of life for their citizens. The World Bank's Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice is particularly focused on achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes across the globe, with significant investments in health initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Health Specialist position at the World Bank in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is a critical role aimed at supporting the organization's health engagement in the country. The successful candidate will work within the Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, contributing to the World Bank's efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and improve health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. The role involves collaborating with government agencies and development partners to implement health programs, providing analytical and advisory services, and participating in policy dialogues. The Health Specialist will also engage in capacity-building activities and contribute to the preparation of national and regional health operations. This position is essential for addressing the significant health challenges faced by Mauritania, including high maternal and child mortality rates, malnutrition, and inadequate access to health services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Specialist will report to the Practice Manager for the Health Nutrition & Population unit within the Africa Region. Key responsibilities include supporting the implementation of the Bank’s health operational portfolio, contributing to technical discussions, and monitoring the Bank's portfolio in collaboration with government agencies and development partners. The specialist will also provide high-quality analytical and advisory services, participate in capacity-building activities, engage in policy dialogue with government counterparts, and help build partnerships within the Bank and with external stakeholders. Additional duties include contributing to sector-specific inputs for operational products, reviewing policy documents, organizing health team missions, and responding to information requests from internal and external parties. The Health Specialist will also be expected to carry out any other activities required as part of the health and human capital portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health Specialist position must possess a Master’s degree in economics, public health, health systems, public policy, health financing, or related fields. Experience in public health practice in Mauritania, particularly with a focus on public and/or private health sectors or health financing/health economics, is highly advantageous. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in health or related fields is required, along with demonstrated operational project management and portfolio management skills. Familiarity with World Bank Group or non-governmental institution policies, operations, instruments, and systems is desired. Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills necessary for producing complex documents and delivering persuasive presentations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Health Specialist position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as economics, public health, health systems, public policy, or health financing. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and policies, as well as for engaging effectively with stakeholders in the health sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in health and/or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of operational project management and portfolio management, demonstrating their ability to handle complex health initiatives and contribute to the successful implementation of health programs.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this position. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages, enabling them to produce documents on complex subjects and deliver clear and persuasive presentations. A satisfactory level of comprehension and written proficiency in English is also required, as the role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders and producing high-quality reports and analyses.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The World Bank Group values a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals with varied backgrounds.