Ethiopia: Regional Health Programme Adviser (Re-Advertisement) - Ethiopia

Based in either of these locations- Addis Ababa or Dar-Es-Salaam or Nairobi

HelpAge International is an international NGO and the secretariat of a global network of over 100 affiliates working to support older people and promote their rights. HelpAge’s programmes are managed by a secretariat in London and six Regional Offices including one for East, West and Central Africa based in Nairobi.

Older persons’ health issues are rarely effectively addressed within the health care systems which are by and large structured to tackle infectious diseases. Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) which include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, affect a significant portion of older persons.

Over the past years, HelpAge and its partners have been working with Ministries of Health in several countries in the region to increase awareness among stakeholders on the health issues facing older people and to devise ways in which policies and service delivery can be made more age friendly.

To spearhead Older Persons’ Health agenda further within East, West and Central Africa (EWCA) Region, HelpAge seeks to recruit a Regional Health Programme Adviser with excellent technical skills and understanding of health issues in the region (especially NCDs) faced by people in older age. The candidate should have demonstrable experience in strategic thinking, analysis and a vision of how to make older people’s health an urgent priority of Governments, donors, and international organisations. They should have the ability to advocate and lobby with key stakeholders. He/she will represent the organization in various strategic and technical forums within the region and internationally. The successful candidate will spearhead growth of Health and NCD work through active fundraising, identifying and establishing strategic partnerships as well as working with country teams to design and develop health programmes.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Health Planning and Administration or Public Health, demonstrable experience of health and NCD issues regionally and internationally, have sound understanding of public health systems and Governments priorities within Sub-saharan Africa as well as experience influencing strategies, advocacy, representation and research. Previous work experience with an international organization in a senior position and ability to travel within the region is essential to this role.