Senior Health Specialist, P-5, Health Section/Programme Division, NYHQ #00053189

The Senior Health Specialist is responsible for managing and leading all stages of health programmes/projects for child health and community health systems, from strategic partnerships, programme development and delivery of results. S/he is also responsible for leading and managing the community and child health team.  The Senior Health Advisor takes the lead in advocating for UNICEF’s goals and values at global and regional meeting events, represents the organization at high level meeting events and establishes and maintains a wide network of partnerships.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, health …

UNICEF has an extensive global health presence, and strong partnerships with governments and non-governmental organizations at national and community levels. On a daily basis we work to bring practical solutions to the women and children at greatest risk. UNICEF knows what it takes to ensure the survival and health of children and women.

UNICEF approaches all threats to child health – and there are many – with extensive experience, efficient logistics and creativity.

How can you make a difference?

The Senior Health Specialist is responsible for managing and leading all stages of health programmes/projects for child health and community health systems, from strategic partnerships, programme development and delivery of results. S/he is also responsible for leading and managing the community and child health team.  The Senior Health Advisor takes the lead in advocating for UNICEF’s goals and values at global and regional meeting events, represents the organization at high level meeting events and establishes and maintains a wide network of partnerships.

Managing a team of Health specialists, the selected candidate will be based in NY and will be expected to:

• Provide global leadership to keep child health at the center of the SDGs through advocacy and strategic partnership.
• Lead UNICEF’s partnerships at global level and programmes on pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria, and the integration of pediatric HIV, TB, child development and disability as part of the broader package of primary health care with specific focus to the disadvantaged and vulnerable population.
• Provide leadership to UNICEF’s Community Health System Strengthening agenda externally with partners and internally to support institutionalization in priority programme countries.
• Work in close collaboration with technical leads in Nutrition, HIV, ECD, Disability and Regional Health Advisers, under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Health Section.
• Establish plans of action to achieve concrete and sustainable results, mobilize resources, ensure results-based budgeting and results based-management approaches to achieve UNICEF’s commitments as part of its 2018-21 Strategic Plan.
• Establishes, strengthens and maintains high level of contacts and collaboration with partners, particularly in relation to knowledge generation and management including representing UNICEF on strategic global partnerships related to Community and child health.
• Provides guidance, leadership and support to staff under his/her supervision and evaluates performance for achievement of established goals and objectives. Submits periodic progress reports to supervisor and senior management.

To quality as an advocate for every child, you will have …

• An advanced Medical or University Degree in public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, or other health related sciences is required.
  
  
• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in public health planning and management and/or in relevant areas of child health and community health, health emergency/humanitarian preparedness, at global and country levels. Relevant experience in health programme/project development and management in any UN system agency or organization is an asset.

• Fluency in English (excellent oral and written communication skills) is essential, with ability to prepare documents on complex subjects, speak and write persuasively, and present ideas clearly. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
  
  
• Demonstrated expertise in policy dialogue and the ability to interact effectively with Government officials and a range of stakeholders at various levels.
  
  
• Experience working with bilateral and/or multilateral donors and/or WB funded public sector projects. Track record in strategic partnership and resource mobilization.
  
  
• Experience and knowledge of government policies and procedures related to projects including prior experience in the development, preparation and approval of government budgetary and planning documents.
  
  
• Ability to function well independently and handle multiple tasks, meet changing priorities and deliver high-quality analysis and work on-time.
  
  
• Successful working experience as a member of a multi-professional and multi-cultural team.

For every child, you demonstrate …

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. 

UNICEF cares about gender and diversity and we strongly encourage women from developing countries to apply to this job.