Senior Health Diplomacy Officer (AfCDC)

Senior Health Diplomacy Officer (AfCDC)

AU – African Union

Geneva, Switzerland

Purpose of Job

The position of Senior Health Diplomacy Officer within the Africa CDC is a role of significant responsibility and influence. It involves shaping the policies and strategies that govern health diplomacy and international partnerships in Africa. The individual in this role would be expected to work closely with member states to strengthen health systems and improve the prevention, detection, and response to diseases. As part of the African Union, the Africa CDC is a pivotal institution in promoting public health initiatives across the continent, supporting efforts to achieve a new public health order for Africa. This role would likely require a deep understanding of global health challenges, diplomatic negotiation skills, and the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and civil society groups. The Senior Health Diplomacy Officer would play a crucial role in advancing the Africa CDC’s mission to safeguard the health of the continent.

Main Functions

• Engages stakeholders within Members States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs) and relevant international organisations in designing and implementing strategies;
• Maintains thematic partnerships in support of the mandate of the Policy and Health Diplomacy;
• Maintains regular working relations with senior stakeholders in Member States and partner institutions in the execution of the Division’s mandate;
• Represents the organization and communicates its position at conferences;
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at division level;
• Ensures the effective management of funds contributed to the organization;
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies;
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at division level;
• Maintains a positive work environment that facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse talent.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Policy Development:

• Formulate and implement strategic policies related to global health initiatives and diplomacy;
• Participating in the development and implementation of strategic plans, goals, and objectives for the health diplomacy department.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with key stakeholders, including international organizations, governments, and civil society to advance global health objectives;
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with regional and international organizations, donors, civil society, and media on issues related to emergency preparedness and response.

Program Management:

• Oversee the development and management of global health programs, ensuring alignment with policy objectives and international standards;
• Managing the budget, human resources, and administration of the emergency preparedness and response program in compliance with African Union regulations.

Diplomatic Representation:

• Represent the organization in international forums, negotiations, and discussions pertaining to global health issues;
• Representing Africa CDC in regional and global forums, meetings, and conferences on global health issues, advocating for the continent’s interests and needs.

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct thorough research and analysis on global health trends and policies to inform decision-making and strategy;
• Leading and contributing to the development of position papers, policy briefs, and other strategic documents on health issues.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Advocate for global health priorities and effectively communicate policy positions to diverse audiences;
• Advocating for the health needs and interests of our organization’s stakeholders at various international forums and platforms.

Interagency Coordination:

• Coordinate with various government agencies and departments to ensure a cohesive approach to global health diplomacy.

Crisis Response:

• Lead and coordinate responses to global health emergencies, leveraging diplomatic channels for effective intervention.

Capacity Building:

• Support the development of capacities for better health outcomes through diplomatic efforts and policy advocacy.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of health diplomacy initiatives and policies, making adjustments as necessary to meet goals;
• Providing advice and guidance to senior management on health diplomacy issues.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A master’s degree in public health, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field with 12 years of working experience in global health policy, health diplomacy, or a related area of which 7 and 5 should be at managerial and supervisory roles respectively.

Required Skills

• Managerial skills, political tactfulness and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives;
• Diplomatic Skills: Proven ability to engage in high-level diplomatic activities and negotiations;
• Strategic Thinking: Strong skills in strategic planning and policy formulation;
• Communication: Excellent communication abilities, including writing, presenting, and negotiating;
• Research and Analysis: Competency in conducting research and analyzing complex health policy issues;
• Languages: Proficiency in multiple languages may be beneficial, especially those relevant to the organization’s scope of work;
• Crisis Management: Experience in crisis response and management, particularly in a global health context;
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership and program management experience;
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Perspective;
• Developing Others;
• Change Management;
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies

• Building Partnership;
• Foster Accountability Culture;
• Learning Orientation;
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking;
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing…;
• Drive for Result;
• Fosters Innovation.

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