NPHI Facilitator- (SSA)

Schedule: Full-time ..

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.

Desirable:

Strong understanding of health systems, NPHI functions, and surveillance systems.

Experience working with international donors and regional or global public health institutions.

Proven experience in stakeholder coordination, communication, and partnership building.

Knowledge of WHO frameworks and EU-supported public health initiatives is an advantage

Languages

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Competencies

· Technical expertise

· Teamwork

· Communication

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software Applications.

· Communication Skills - excellent written and verbal communication

Place of assignment

Incumbent will be based in Harare at the WHO Country Office with international and local travel to the provinces and districts of the country as required.