Policy and Global Health Diplomacy Coordinator

The Africa CDC • Geneva, NY

3h • $144,493 - $145,981 • Hybrid

About The Position

The position of Policy and Global Health Diplomacy Coordinator 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 Policy and Global Health Diplomacy Coordinator would play a crucial role in advancing Africa CDC's mission to safeguard the health of the continent. The accelerating pace of global health diplomacy, including negotiations on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, International Health Regulations reforms, antimicrobial resistance, universal health coverage and health emergency financing, makes it imperative for Africa CDC to move from ad hoc engagement to a permanent, strategic presence in Geneva and New York. As the African Union’s specialized technical institution for health, Africa CDC must be able to anticipate, shape, and respond to global policy processes that have direct consequences for African health security, health systems, and financing. This requires a senior expert who combines deep understanding of global health policy with proven diplomatic skills, able to work daily with permanent missions, UN agencies, global health initiatives and civil society. The Policy and Global Health Diplomacy Coordinator will provide that missing interface between Africa CDC’s technical work in Addis Ababa and the key multilateral platforms where norms, standards, and resources are established. This role will help ensure that Africa CDC’s strategies, data, and guidance effectively influence resolutions, political declarations, and financing instruments, whilst ensuring global initiatives reflect African realities and priorities rather than being designed for Africa without African input. Geneva is the world’s leading hub for global health governance, hosting WHO, UNAIDS, GAVI, the Global Fund, and many other technical and financing organizations that directly influence health outcomes in Africa. Decisions made in Geneva shape normative standards, the distribution of global health resources, and the framework for pandemic preparedness and response, areas central to Africa CDC’s mandate. Having the Coordinator based in Geneva enables Africa CDC to maintain continuous, high-level engagement with these organizations, rather than relying on occasional visits only during major meetings. In Geneva, the Coordinator will: Serve as Africa CDC’s primary liaison with WHO and other health-related agencies, ensuring systematic input into governing bodies, technical working groups, and strategic dialogues. Support the African Group and AU in Geneva by preparing briefs, talking points, and negotiation inputs that reflect continental positions, and by helping to forge and maintain common African positions on key health files. Develop and implement an annual Geneva engagement plan for Africa CDC, covering participation in the World Health Assembly, Executive Board, replenishment and partnership meetings, and Africa CDC–branded side events that enhance the institution’s profile and influence. Build and maintain thematic partnerships with global health initiatives, philanthropic foundations, academia, and civil society based in Geneva, aligning their support with Africa CDC’s strategic objectives. New York is the political center of the multilateral system, where heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and UN leadership gather to set global priorities through the UN General Assembly and high-level meetings. Health issues, whether pandemics, climate–health, humanitarian crises, or financing for development, are increasingly addressed through political declarations and cross-pillar negotiations in New York that shape action in Geneva and beyond.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in public health, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field
• 12 years of working experience in global health policy, health diplomacy, or a related area
• 7 years of experience in managerial roles
• 5 years of experience in supervisory roles
• 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 analysing complex health policy issues.
• 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.
• Core Competencies: Building Partnerships, Foster Accountability Culture, Learning Orientation, Communicating with Influence.
• Functional Competencies: Conceptual thinking, Job Knowledge and information sharing, Drive for result, Fosters Innovation.
• African passport

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in multiple languages may be beneficial, especially those relevant to the organization's scope of work.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Contribute to formulating and implementing 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.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including international organizations, governments, and civil society, to advance global health objectives under the strategic direction of Africa CDC HQ.
• Suggest partnerships with regional and international organizations, donor s, civil society, and media on issues related to emergency preparedness and response under the leadership of Africa CDC HQ.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate with various government agencies and departments to ensure a cohesive approach to global health diplomacy.
• Lead and coordinate responses to global health emergencies, leveraging diplomatic channels for effective intervention.
• Support the development of capacities for better health outcomes through diplomatic efforts and policy advocacy.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of health diplomacy initiatives and policies, adjusting as necessary to meet goals.
• Providing advice and guidance to senior management on health diplomacy issues.

Benefits

• Salary attached to the position based in Geneva for the eleven-months period is US$ 145,980.82 (P5 Step 5), inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.
• Salary attached to the position based in New-york for the eleven months is US$ 144,492.83 (P5 Step 5), inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior