Health Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization that aims to address the world's most pressing development challenges. Established in 1944, it operates in 145 countries with over 10,000 employees across more than 182 offices worldwide. The WBG focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, to foster sustainable growth and improve living standards. The organization emphasizes partnerships with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to invest in people and strengthen markets. The MENAAP Region, which includes Afghanistan, is dedicated to enhancing human capital and promoting economic and social inclusion, with a strong focus on job creation and poverty reduction. The WBG values diversity and teamwork, striving to create a supportive work environment based on transparency and trust.

Job Overview:
The Health Specialist position at the World Bank Group in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a critical role aimed at providing technical and operational support to various health-related programs, including the Human Capital and Jobs (HCJ) Program and the Health Emergency Response (HER) Program. The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing health-related components of these programs, which focus on enhancing health systems, improving access to quality health services, and addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations. The role requires collaboration with local and international partners, including the Interim Taliban Administration, to ensure effective delivery of health services and support for education and social policy initiatives. The Health Specialist will engage in policy dialogues, contribute to analytical work, and support the development of innovative solutions to improve health outcomes in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges such as food insecurity and limited access to healthcare. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a fragile and conflict-affected setting, addressing urgent health and social needs while promoting human capital development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation and supervision of the Afghanistan Health Emergency Response (HER) Project, focusing on quality of care and localization of medicines.
• Engaging with donors and the Interim Taliban Administration's Ministry of Public Health to facilitate health system cost-burden sharing.
• Drafting technical reports and developing analytical products for the Afghanistan Human Development Programmatic Advisory Service and Analytics (PASA).
• Collaborating with Task Team Leaders (TTLs) and development partners to advance financing strategies and technical discussions.
• Providing technical and project management support for the HCJ Program, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and facilitating the delivery of basic health and nutrition services.
• Engaging in policy dialogues to support system development and capacity building in health system strengthening.
• Supporting the Education and Social Policy Portfolio by providing inputs for early child development, community-based education, and social delivery systems.
• Maintaining active policy dialogue with ITA counterparts and international partners on education and social protection delivery systems.
• Contributing to the development of a unified theory of change and results framework for the HCJ project. 1
• Engaging with implementing partners to ensure coordinated outreach to vulnerable populations across human capital sectors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in public health, demographics, health economics, health policy, epidemiology, health system administration, or a professional degree in medicine or nursing. A Master's degree is required, while a PhD or equivalent would be an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in public health, health system management, or health economics, particularly in the context of major Bank-funded projects or similar multilateral development institutions. Experience working with health systems in Afghanistan, along with knowledge of health policies and programs, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in social protection, safety nets, and education policy, with a strong advantage for those with experience in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Strong policy dialogue skills and the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a graduate degree in relevant fields such as public health, health economics, health policy, epidemiology, or health system administration. A professional degree in medicine or nursing is also acceptable. A Master's degree is mandatory, while a PhD or equivalent qualification would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in public health, health system management, or health economics. This experience should include preparation and supervision of major projects funded by the World Bank or similar institutions. Prior experience working with health systems in Afghanistan is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of the challenges and priorities within the health sector in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in either Dari or Pashto. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare complex documents and present ideas clearly. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Open-Ended Staff role under local recruitment terms. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave and parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and involves working in a fragile and conflict-affected context, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful development efforts in the region.