Health Promotion and Policy Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific is dedicated to improving health and well-being across the region. Established to combat infectious diseases such as dengue and malaria, as well as noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease, WHO collaborates with 37 Member States and areas. Their mission encompasses a wide range of health initiatives, including immunization campaigns and environmental safety measures, aiming to enhance the quality of life for nearly 1.9 billion people. WHO's commitment to excellence in health promotion and disease prevention is evident in their multifaceted approach to addressing health challenges.

Job Overview:
The Health Promotion and Policy Coordination Officer will play a crucial role within the Health Promotion and Policy (HPP) unit of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Control (DPC). This position is designed to empower individuals, communities, and governments to enhance health and well-being by tackling the social, environmental, commercial, and behavioral determinants of health. The officer will be instrumental in embedding health-in-all-policies and whole-of-government approaches throughout the Western Pacific Region. The HPP unit's focus is on creating healthier settings, strengthening governance for prevention, and advancing health promotion policies that are equitable and aligned with both regional and global health priorities. The officer will report to the Coordinator of the HPP unit and will collaborate with various units within the DPC Division to address major health challenges in an integrated manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Promotion and Policy Coordination Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing health promotion and policy coordination. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the coordination of activities related to priority areas such as tobacco control, alcohol control, physical activity, and injury prevention, to foster integrated approaches for building health-enabling policy environments.
• Supporting NCD surveillance-related work by consolidating country inputs, monitoring data, and reporting to facilitate integrated prevention and health promotion efforts.
• Developing technical documents, policy briefs, and advocacy materials that promote health-in-all-policies approaches.
• Organizing meetings, workshops, and webinars that encourage whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, including preparing materials and documenting outcomes.
• Compiling and synthesizing country experiences and good practices to support cross-country learning and equity-oriented approaches.
• Maintaining activity trackers and contributing to reporting on progress and results.
• Coordinating with DPC units and relevant partners to promote coherent and integrated health promotion efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health Promotion and Policy Coordination Officer position should possess a strong foundation in public health, health promotion, or a related field. They should demonstrate technical expertise in health policy development and implementation, particularly in the context of noncommunicable diseases and health promotion strategies. Strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and experience in coordinating multi-sectoral initiatives are essential. Candidates should also exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and present findings clearly.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a master's degree in public health, health promotion, or a related discipline. Advanced training or certifications in health policy, epidemiology, or program management may also be beneficial. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health systems and policies, particularly in the context of the Western Pacific Region.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have several years of professional experience in health promotion, public health policy, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations in health-related roles is highly desirable. Familiarity with the health challenges and policy landscape in the Western Pacific Region will be an advantage. Proven experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Western Pacific Region, such as Filipino or other regional languages, would be considered an asset and beneficial for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may involve occasional travel within the region. The role is full-time and is expected to contribute significantly to the WHO's mission of improving health outcomes in the Western Pacific. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic environment that may require adaptability and responsiveness to changing health priorities. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance and support for professional development.