Health Specialist (Health Systems Strengthening) at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

The Health Specialist (Health System Strengthening, HSS) reports to the Health Manager (Systems Strengthening) for guidance and general supervision and works closely with the Chief of Health of UNICEF Nigeria. The Specialist supports the development and preparation of the PHC program/s and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on program progress of the PHC/HSS output of the health program of UNICEF Nigeria. 

The Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results-based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and organizational Strategic Plans and goals, standards of performance, and accountability framework.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The specialist (health system strengthening) provides comprehensive support for program development, planning, and management of the UNICEF health programme. This includes contributing to situational analysis, formulating strategic plans, and aligning proposals with UNICEF's overarching goals and national priorities. The specialist will collaborate with internal and external partners for program integration and coherence, including supporting the swap development and the implementation of PHC flagship programmes.

The specialist will contribute to setting benchmarks, and indicators, and conducting evaluations to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. He/she will provide technical and operational support to program implementation, offering guidance to stakeholders, and actively participating in emergency preparedness initiatives. The specialist will contribute to partnership building, emphasizing effective collaboration with government counterparts, stakeholders, and global partners. Lastly, the specialist will foster innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building, promoting best practices, research, and implementing initiatives to enhance stakeholder competencies for sustainable PHC and health-related outcomes.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• An Advanced University Degree in public health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health financing health education, epidemiology, or other health-related science is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public health/ planning and management and/or in relevant areas of Primary Health Care, maternal and neonatal health care, health governance, health financing, health emergency/humanitarian preparedness
• Relevant experience in health program/project development and management in any UN system agency or organization, or multi-lateral organization,  is an asset. 
• Fluency in English is required.