Senior Public Health Advisor

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's efforts are focused on addressing global health challenges, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The Senior Public Health Advisor plays a crucial role in providing high-level strategic, policy, and technical support to the Director of Programme Management (DPM) at WHO AFRO. This position is integral to the effective planning, implementation, and oversight of WHO's program priorities in the African region. The incumbent will work to strengthen program coherence and cross-cluster integration, ensuring alignment with WHO's General Programme of Work (GPW14) and regional strategic frameworks. The advisor will be responsible for ensuring quality, consistency, and results orientation across program management processes, contributing to the overall effectiveness of WHO's initiatives in public health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Program Management (DPM), the incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Provide high-level technical and strategic inputs to support program planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes aligned with GPW14 and AFRO strategic priorities.
• Facilitate coordination of cross-cluster program initiatives and workstreams to enhance coherence, efficiency, and collective impact across the Regional Office.
• Support the integration of cross-cutting priorities, including gender, equity, human rights, and data-for-action, into program planning and implementation.
• Provide technical and coordination support to key managerial and governance platforms, including the Executive Management, Regional Programme Meeting, and Directors’ coordination mechanisms.
• Contribute to the preparation, technical review, and quality assurance of strategic documents, including reports, strategies, resolutions, policy briefs, and submissions to governing bodies.
• Support the coordination of strategic initiatives and major regional processes led by the DPM Office, including cross-cluster programmes and special initiatives.
• Strengthen collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including HQ, country offices, and partners, to support program delivery and alignment.
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in public health, health policy, health systems, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Doctorate or additional postgraduate training in medicine, public health, programme management, or related disciplines is desirable. Candidates must possess strong analytical and strategic thinking skills in public health and programme management, with demonstrated ability to coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary programmes in an international environment. Proven capacity to synthesize complex information and produce high-quality policy and technical outputs is essential. Additionally, candidates should have sound knowledge of WHO programme planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks, along with strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in public health, health policy, health systems, or a related field from an accredited/recognized institution. A Doctorate or additional postgraduate training in relevant disciplines is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public health, programme management, or international health, including experience at the international level. Experience in the UN system or international organizations is desirable, as well as experience in cross-sectoral programme coordination, partnerships, and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Essential languages for this position include expert knowledge of English and French. Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese or any other UN official language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station currently amounts to USD 3,903 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States. The recruitment process may involve a written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment. Candidates are required to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications and may need to confirm vaccination status as per WHO requirements.