Health Lead at British High Commission Nairobi

As Health Adviser, you will be responsible for leading the UK Government’s programming and policy work to improve health outcomes especially for poor Kenyans. Programmes include our support for family planning as well as the design of a new programme to address the challenges affecting reproductive, maternal and new-born health in Kenya. You will support the development of stronger and more resilient health systems, delivering targeted interventions, ensuring no-one is left behind, and protecting against and preparing for health threats. You will act as an influential interlocutor with FCDO Headquarters and other UK Government Departments including Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). You will develop and maintain strong working relations with Government of Kenya (GoK), multilateral institutions and other development partners to ensure UK investments are reaching those most in need, whilst supporting GoK to tackle health inequalities and self-finance an exit from extreme poverty and aid dependence.

You will supervise a fellow health advisor. You will be positioned within the HSD group which also includes an Education Lead, a Humanitarian, Resilience and Inclusion lead and a programme hub. You will also have close engagement with other parts of the UK mission in Nairobi, including Department for International Trade and the East Africa Research and Innovation Hub to deliver the heath objectives of the UK/GoK Strategic Partnership. You will report to the G6 Deputy Development Director & Group Head.  You will be a member of the senior leadership team within HSD and will deputise for the Group Head as necessary. 

You will be an expert in health. Your expertise will be assessed during the recruitment process which includes assessed to be accredited to the FCDO health cadre. More information can be found in the Health Technical Competency Framework.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Strong technical expertise in public health with 5 to 10 years of work experience in a low middle income country context
• a Masters in Public Health (or similar qualification) or significant self-directed study
• Proven ability to work closely and influence stakeholders on technical policy issues
• Extensive experience of working collaboratively and effectively with external partners including Government counterparts.
• Programme delivery including risk and financial management.
• Public speaking and representing an organisation externally to influence Government, other development partners and NGOs.
• Familiarity with internal programme management and admin processes and polices.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Team Leadership
• Line management
• Familiarity with internal programme management and admin processes and polices.
• Knowledge and experience of working with key institutions engaged in health and nutrition both globally and within Kenya.