Junior Public Health Professional - Digital Health

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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, and aims to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Junior Public Health Professional (JPP) will play a crucial role in supporting the Digital Health Technical Unit at WHO's South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO). The primary objective of this position is to advance digital health initiatives and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the South-East Asia Region. The JPP will provide technical support to Member States in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating national digital health strategies and action plans that align with regional priorities and universal health coverage (UHC). This role involves contributing to the regional digital health strategy, facilitating country-level technical assistance, and building capacity to strengthen sustainable and interoperable digital health ecosystems. The JPP will also engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and academia, to promote strategic partnerships and enhance the implementation of digital health solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The JPP will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting WHO-SEARO and Member States in the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of digital health strategies, action plans, roadmaps, and priority initiatives.
• Providing technical and coordination support for regional and country-level work on digital health architecture, interoperability, and standards.
• Engaging with Member States, WHO departments, development partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate consultations and prepare technical materials, meeting reports, and follow-up actions.
• Contributing to the development and strengthening of technical guidance, policy documents, and knowledge products related to digital health.
• Supporting capacity-building activities, workshops, and consultations for Member States, identifying country needs and opportunities for technical assistance.
• Conducting evidence reviews and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis to inform WHO-SEARO’s digital health portfolio.
• Documenting and disseminating country and regional digital health initiatives and best practices.
• Undertaking other related activities as assigned by the Regional Adviser, Digital Health, in alignment with WHO-SEARO priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in digital health, law, data science, public health, social sciences, or a related field relevant to digital health. A Master's or Doctorate degree in a related field is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of one year of experience in digital health implementation or health systems, with a proven track record in drafting national and state-level policies. Candidates should have experience working within government systems and engaging diverse stakeholders across various sectors. Desirable qualifications include experience with WHO or UN agencies and demonstrated experience in disseminating high-impact work at national and global forums.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as digital health, law, data science, public health, or social sciences. A Master's or Doctorate degree in any related field is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience in digital health implementation, health systems, or related areas. Candidates should have experience working closely with national or subnational government systems and public health leadership to drive health reforms. In-depth knowledge of government-centric digital health implementation and large-scale deployments is essential. Experience in managing and engaging diverse stakeholders at various levels is also required.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of any or multiple South-East Asia Regional languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to nationals of South-East Asia Region Member States, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The age limit for applicants is below 35 years. The remuneration for this position is approximately US$ 63,000 per annum. Applications must be submitted through the WHO online recruitment portal, and candidates may be required to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications during the interview process. WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce, encouraging women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.