OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMEThe main objectives, the incumbent will play a critical role in surveillance, research, workforce development, and public health policy. In this context, the Public Health Specialist is required to provide technical support to MoHCC and relevant stakeholders in developing the NPHI's institutional framework, strengthening its core functions, and integrating it effectively into Zimbabwe's national health system. The focus areas will include governance, surveillance, workforce development, and financial sustainability
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIESA. Institutional Development& Governance of the NPHIProvide technical assistance in finalizing the legal and policy framework for the establishment and operationalization of the NPHI.Support the development of the NPHI's organizational structure, including governance models, leadership arrangements, and reporting lines.Ensure alignment of the NPHI's institutional framework with international best practices and WHO standards for national public health institutes.Facilitate multi-sectoral collaboration between the NPHI and key stakeholders, including academia, the private sector, and development partners.B. Workforce Development& Capacity BuildingIncluding collaboration with tertiary institutions offering Public Health coursesSupport the development of a comprehensive public health workforce strategy for the NPHI.Assist in the expansion and institutionalization of the Zimbabwe Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)within the NPHI.Provide support in developing and implementing leadership and management training programs for NPHI personnel.Promote gender equity through the integration of gender-responsive policies in public health workforce development.Support the revision of public health curricula in collaboration with universities, with an emphasis on NCD prevention, control, and surveillance.C. Research, Policy, and Evidence-Based Decision-MakingAssist in the development of a national public health research agenda aligned with Zimbabwe's health priorities.Strengthen institutional capacity for operational research and promote the translation of evidence into policy and practice.Support the preparation and dissemination of policy briefs, technical reports, and public health bulletins.Promote data-driven decision-making in public health planning and implementation.D. Financial Sustainability& Resource MobilizationProvide support in developing a sustainability strategy for the NPHI, including innovative and diversified funding mechanisms.Assist in mobilizing domestic and international financial resources for the institute's sustainability.Advocate for increased public sector investment in public health infrastructure and workforce development.Support strategic engagement with bilateral and multilateral partners in line with national health priorities.E. Prepare periodic technical and financial report as required by WHO, Donor, MOHCC and partners. Develop and publish policy briefsProvide support in generating technical and financial reports required for reporting and accountability. Support scientific publications from project implementation activities
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EducationEssential: Health Sciences degree, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Policy, or related field from a recognized university
Desirable: Post graduate degree in Public Health from a recognized institution
ExperienceEssential: At least 5 years of relevant experience in public health, institutional development, WHO and/or UN agencies and health cluster partnersProven experience in supporting government institutions, preferably in Zimbabwe.Demonstrated experience in workforce development and capacity building
Desirable: Experience in monitoring programme performance and development of mitigatory measures to address any issues
SkillsStrong analytical,communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.Familiarity with WHO frameworks and international best practices in public health.Experience in preparing policy briefs, donor reportsKnowledge of Microsoft Office Software Applications.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
WHO CompetenciesTeamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language SkillsEssential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.
REMUNERATIONRemuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 65,324 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
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WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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