Adviser on Health Policy

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 a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to improve health systems and address health challenges globally. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, among others. WHO's strategic objectives are outlined in its General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work 2025-2029 (EPW2), which aim to accelerate progress toward Health for All and reduce health inequalities.

Job Overview:
The Adviser on Health Policy will play a crucial role in supporting the WHO country office and the Ministry of Health in Ukraine by providing technical support and mobilizing expertise for policy advisory services. This position is pivotal in the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and plans (NHPSP) aimed at strengthening the health system and moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The adviser will work closely with national stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate health policies that align with WHO's principles and values. The role requires a deep understanding of health systems, health financing, and the ability to facilitate effective health policy dialogues among diverse stakeholders. Given the current context of the War in Ukraine, the adviser may also need to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and additional responsibilities as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: coordinating with technical focal points at regional and headquarters levels; providing technical advice to the government on national health policy design and implementation; strengthening the capacity of national stakeholders to lead health policy dialogues; developing strategic intelligence on health system reform issues; aligning service delivery visions to enhance public health and primary care; transforming health financing arrangements for UHC; improving governance and accountability in health systems; establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for health systems; facilitating learning and capacity building in health policy implementation; and identifying synergies between WHO and other organizations for health systems transformation. Additionally, the adviser will establish partnerships with public and private institutions, demonstrate the impact of reforms on health outcomes, and adapt to the fast-moving environment due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level) in public health, health systems/services administration, health management, or a related field. Formal qualifications in international/global health policy or similar fields are also acceptable. Post-graduate training or specialization in health systems, health planning, management, or health economics is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in health-sector policy, strategy development, and planning, with at least four years in a governmental institution or international organization, particularly in resource-limited or middle-income countries. Specific experience in health financing is essential, along with a track record in health sector assessments, evaluations, and consensus building among national stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s level) in public health, health systems/services administration, health management, or a related field. Candidates with formal qualifications in international/global health policy or similar fields are also considered. Desirable qualifications include post-graduate training or specialization in health systems, health planning, management, or health economics, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of relevant work experience, particularly in health-sector policy, strategy development, and planning. This experience should include at least four years in a governmental institution or international organization, focusing on resource-limited or middle-income countries. Specific experience in health financing is required, and candidates with experience in health sector assessments, evaluations, and consensus building among diverse national stakeholders will be preferred. Some of this experience should ideally have been obtained in an international context.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the region or the stakeholders involved in health policy discussions.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a competitive salary starting at USD 84,672 annually, subject to deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The remuneration package includes a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Kyiv, currently amounting to USD 3,055 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process, and WHO has a smoke-free environment.