National Professional Officer

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 a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on universal health coverage, health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is designed to support the WHO's mission in Micronesia by enhancing the country's health systems and improving equitable, quality service delivery through primary health care platforms. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating the delivery of technical and managerial advice to the government and national stakeholders. This role involves developing and implementing sustainable, multisectoral strategies and policies that align with national health priorities. The officer will work closely with various health program areas, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), nutrition, health promotion, and digital health. The position requires a strong focus on integrated, people-centered approaches that enhance access to essential health services and advance universal health coverage.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Coordinating and facilitating the delivery of technical and managerial advice to government and national stakeholders in developing and implementing integrated strategies and policies.
• Developing and monitoring work plans and budgets, tracking the implementation of planned activities, and identifying bottlenecks to support timely delivery.
• Providing technical advice to strengthen country capacity in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating integrated health programs.
• Strengthening data collection and analysis through health information systems to support evidence-informed policy and program decision-making.
• Facilitating the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms and guidelines for integrated programming.
• Guiding the documentation of country experiences and best practices to inform policy dialogue and program improvement.
• Serving as a national resource for the integration of programs and mainstreaming cross-cutting themes such as health equity.
• Coordinating the development of information, education, and communication materials to foster community awareness and health practices.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in medicine, health sciences, health administration, health services management, nursing, social sciences, development studies, or similar disciplines from a recognized institution. A master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in any of these fields is desirable. WHO considers only higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as medicine, health sciences, or social sciences. A master’s degree is preferred, and all qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the WHED. This ensures that the educational background aligns with WHO's standards for public health professionals.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in supporting the implementation of public health programs at the national level. This includes experience in developing and operationalizing policies and strategies, as well as implementing life-course or primary health care-related programs. Professional experience in providing technical advisory support to government counterparts in resource-limited settings is essential. Desirable experience includes working with intergovernmental agencies or the United Nations System, particularly WHO, and knowledge of national partnerships and networks.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and the local language is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Micronesia will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 43,989, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to undergo a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking any assignment.