Job Description
World Bank Group
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit
The Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice The Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) Global Practice focuses on improving healthcare outcomes, increasing access to health services, and strengthening health systems in developing countries. The HNP GP works on a wide range of issues, including maternal and child health, nutrition, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, aging, health financing, climate and health, PPR, and service delivery. Our goal is to help countries achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
The HNP GP provides technical expertise, strategic advice, and policy recommendations to World Bank client countries. HNP GP also engages in research and data collection to inform their strategies and interventions. Additionally, HNP GP collaborates with partners and stakeholders across sectors to address the social determinants of health and to integrate health considerations into broader development agendas.
In Spring 2024, President Ajay Banga announced an ambitious commitment: to extend quality health and nutrition services to 1.5b people by 2030. This bold initiative is deeply rooted in the World Bank's mission, by providing basic standard of care for people throughout their lives as a critical enabler of human development and as key to ending the cycle of poverty for billions of people. The World Bank is committed to engage all its resources and build on its knowledge and convening power to unify efforts towards this goal of 1.5B by 2030.
The World Bank Group has already started working with partners to realize this vision. The ongoing collaboration with Japan and WHO to establish a joint UHC knowledge Hub in Tokyo, focusing on the knowledge needs of Health and Finance Ministers. The hub will also convene key stakeholders to build support for UHC reforms.
The objectives of the UHC knowledge hub are to leverage knowledge, evidence, and established training programs of the WB, WHO and key partners to strengthen the capacity of senior officials in target countries in the area of health financing. The capacity building efforts of the Hub will also draw on country experiences and evidence related to health financing, including those of Japan in areas such as health insurance, long-term care, longevity and health aging, and institutional arrangements to promote efficiency of the health system.
Key Responsibilities
To support the effective implementation of the UHC Hub program, we are looking for a Senior Health Specialist to join the team. The successful candidate will report to the practice manager for the HNP Global Unit and will be part of the learning team under the day-to-day supervision of the learning coordinator. The successful candidate will work closely together with the Government of Japan, WHO and World Bank regional colleagues on the following responsibilities:
1. P
rogram Development: Contribute to the design and implementation of the UHC hub work program. This includes the design of the learning and advocacy pillars of the Hub, overseeing implementation and evaluation of learning programs, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and learner needs.
2.
Interagency coordination: Coordinate with government agencies, departments, and WHO to ensure a cohesive approach to the Hub and alignment with the World Bank mission, policies, and operating model.
3.
Stakeholder engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including health and finance officials in low- and middle-income countries, donor agencies, and technical partners to strengthen partnerships and ensure alignment with UHC Hub objectives.
4.
Building strategic partnerships: Establish and maintain collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and learning/training entities at local, regional, and global levels.
5.
Representation, advocacy, and communication: Represent HNP in various forums, advocate for the Hub's goals, and communicate effectively with stakeholders to promote the program's initiatives and achievements.
6.
Problem-Solving: Addressing and resolving issues that arise within the Hub governance and work program or during the execution of projects.
7.
Internal coordination and reporting: Ensuring that various work streams of the Hub and teams are aligned with WB goals and priorities and keeping HNP leadership informed of progress and challenges within the program/project.
Selection Criteria
Candidates for the Senior Health Specialist position must demonstrate a strong combination of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and innovative thinking. The ideal candidate will have:
• Master's degree or higher in education, public health, health economics, organizational or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating health systems reform programs in developing countries.
• Experience with learning and capacity building programs
• Experience in global health partnerships is required, including between multilateral institutions and governments. Experience working with the World Bank is a plus.
• Experience with high level policy dialogue and client engagement
• Political tactfulness and supervisory skills
• Proven ability to engage in high-level diplomatic activities and negotiations
• Ability to anticipate issues and proactively propose solutions and strong skills in strategic planning and policy formulation
• Excellent communication abilities, including writing, presenting, and negotiating.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under challenging circumstances, leveraging creativity and resilience.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC , including our values and inspiring stories.
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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation
Role: Other
Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%
Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)
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