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Qualifications
Purpose of the Position
To coordinate and facilitate the development and implementation of Zimbabwe’s NPHI, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, surveillance of NCDs, public health promotion, and integration with international public health networks.
1. Background
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), EU and other partners, is working towards the operationalization of a National Public Health Institute (NPHI) in Zimbabwe. The NPHI aims to improve the country’s public health functions, including surveillance, research, workforce development, and emergency preparedness. The NPHI Facilitator will play a key role in coordinating activities, engaging stakeholders, and supporting the implementation of WHO’s technical assistance. Working closely with the Public Health & Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Specialist, the facilitator will ensure that national efforts align with global best practices and WHO frameworks. A core focus will be placed on noncommunicable disease (NCD) surveillance, lifestyle risk reduction campaigns, and promoting regional and international collaboration—particularly with European institutions under EU-funded support to NPHIs.
2. Assigned/expected duties/work to be performed:
A. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the primary liaison between WHO, MoHCC, and relevant stakeholders supporting the development of the NPHI.
Facilitate effective multi-sectoral coordination among government institutions, academic bodies, donors, and civil society.
Organize and participate in NPHI steering committee meetings, technical working groups, and policy dialogues, ensuring documentation and follow-up of action points.
B. Support to NPHI Development and Implementation
Assist in the development and operationalization of the NPHI’s legal, institutional, and governance framework.
Support the formulation of strategic and operational plans for the NPHI in alignment with national public health priorities.
Monitor progress against key milestones and provide timely updates to the WHO HSS Specialist, NPHI Steering Committee, and other partners.
C. Strengthening Surveillance and Health Information Systems
Support the design and implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) systems with an emphasis on NCD surveillance.
Facilitate the development of data-sharing protocols between the NPHI and national health information platforms.
Coordinate training and capacity-building activities aimed at improving data collection, analysis, and evidence-based public health response.
D. Research and Evidence-Based Policy Support
Support the development of a national public health research agenda that reflects emerging health priorities.
Assist in the production and dissemination of technical reports, policy briefs, and public health bulletins.
E. Advocacy, Communication, Resource Mobilization, and Reporting
Assist in the development of advocacy and communication materials to raise awareness of the NPHI’s role and achievements.
Support high-level engagements, including policy dialogues, media events, and stakeholder consultations.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including drafting donor proposals and facilitating public-private partnerships.
Prepare and submit timely technical and financial reports as required by WHO, donors, MoHCC, and other stakeholders.
F. Other Duties
Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor or WHO Representative to support the successful establishment and functioning of the NPHI.
3. Technical supervision
· Public Health Specialist NPHI
· The WHO Representative
· The ULC Team Lead
4. Specific requirements
Language:
· Fluency in written and spoken English
· Another UN language would be an added advantage
Education
Essential: Health Sciences Degree, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Policy or related
field from a recognized university
Desirable: Post graduate degree in Public Health from a recognised institution
Experience
Essential: Minimum of 4 years’ experience in public health program coordination, preferably within government, UN agencies, or health institutions.