Senior Health Specialist/Maternal and Newborn Health

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. The World Bank Group works collaboratively with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. Their mission is to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, particularly in the areas of health, education, and social policy, thereby contributing to sustainable development and improved living standards across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Senior Health Specialist/Maternal and Newborn Health position at the World Bank Group involves overseeing the Global Financing Facility (GFF) initiatives aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in low and middle-income countries. The role requires a deep understanding of health systems and the ability to translate technical evidence into actionable investment cases and large-scale programs. The specialist will be responsible for advising country clients and World Bank teams on effective strategies for maternal and child health, developing metrics for performance-based financing, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance health service delivery. The position also entails representing the GFF in global partnerships and contributing to knowledge management activities, ensuring that the GFF's objectives align with the overarching goals of the World Bank Group.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice to country clients and World Bank task teams on scalable approaches to maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and stillbirth prevention, ensuring that technical evidence is effectively translated into high-quality investment cases and large-scale program development.
• Develop relevant metrics and evaluation methodologies to facilitate results-oriented financing approaches aimed at improving MNCH performance, with a strong emphasis on service quality.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on MNCH initiatives, linking health outcomes to education, social protection, and labor market opportunities.
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge products, including tools, analytical reports, and country case studies, while organizing workshops at both regional and global levels in partnership with other GFF teams.
• Support routine reporting to stakeholders and address ad hoc information requests regarding MNH and stillbirth prevention programming across the GFF portfolio, ensuring the effective implementation of the GFF strategy, Transform 203
• Represent the GFF in global MNH donor and technical partnerships, participating in relevant events to advocate for maternal and newborn health initiatives.
• Act as a GFF Focal Point in selected partner countries, facilitating the development and execution of investment cases and stakeholder alignment through functional country platforms, while engaging with World Bank regions and task teams to support IDA/IBRD operations related to the investment case.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Doctorate degree in medicine, public health, or a related field with a focus on Maternal and/or Newborn Health, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through relevant work experience. A minimum of 10 years of experience in maternal and child health in low-income and complex settings is required, with specific knowledge of implementing evidence-based MNCH tools and interventions into large-scale programs. Experience integrating MNCH into World Bank operations is advantageous. Candidates should also have experience in primary health care provision, particularly in delivering high-quality services, and a solid understanding of health systems and financing reforms. Proven ability to work across sectors and build collaborative alliances with multiple stakeholders is essential, along with a track record of successful partner engagement and collaboration within teams.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Doctorate degree in medicine, public health, or a related field, specifically focusing on Maternal and/or Newborn Health. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the necessary interventions to improve health outcomes for women and children.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant work experience in maternal and child health, particularly in low-income and complex settings. Candidates should have a strong background in implementing evidence-based MNCH tools and approaches into large-scale programs, as well as experience in primary health care and health financing reforms. Familiarity with the World Bank's operations and business processes is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. Proficiency in French is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in global health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of three years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.