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. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response. The organization operates globally, focusing on improving health systems, addressing health emergencies, and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is designed to strengthen the capacity of the health sector in Guinea-Bissau by developing and implementing health promotion policies and programs. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Team Lead DPC in the Country Office and will be responsible for enhancing the country's ability to address health challenges and prevent diseases. This role involves engaging with multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, non-state actors, and communities, to promote healthy settings and implement health promotion strategies. The officer will also be involved in operational research, advocacy, and the dissemination of best practices in health promotion. The position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships and networks that facilitate collaboration across various sectors to improve public health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain partnerships and networks to strengthen multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration to combat communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in the country.
• Analyze and undertake research on public health topics to support the development and implementation of multisectoral national plans for disease prevention and control.
• Provide technical assistance in monitoring work plans and budgets, ensuring resources are mobilized effectively for the work program.
• Support the promotion of health in all policies, including the development of healthy cities and settings, and advocate for healthy eating and physical activity.
• Analyze information on best practices in public health and report findings to the responsible officer.
• Participate in capacity building initiatives within public health systems and their management.
• Utilize knowledge of cultural norms to inform community outreach activities related to health care networks.
• Contribute to drafting public health reports and act as a focal point for public health topics.
• Collaborate with international and national partners to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of noncommunicable diseases. 1
• Assist the Ministry of Health and partners in developing, implementing, and evaluating health policies and strategies. 1
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies in emergencies. 1
• Perform other related activities as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree (bachelor's) in a relevant field such as health, public health, or social sciences from a recognized university. Desirable qualifications include a master's degree in public health, community health, or health promotion, along with skills in writing, implementation of multisectoral interventions, and policy development. Training in epidemiology or social epidemiology is also a plus. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of health promotion theories and practices, as well as the determinants of health.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university. A master's degree in public health, community health, or health promotion is desirable. Additional qualifications in health-related disciplines and training in epidemiology or social epidemiology are advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in public health and disease control program management is essential. Experience working with national or international organizations involved in health promotion or public health is also required. Desirable experience includes planning, implementing, and evaluating major disease control programs, particularly with the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of Portuguese is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of English and French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, meaning only applications from nationals of Guinea-Bissau will be accepted. The position offers an annual base salary starting at XOF 21,352,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.