Public Health Specialist (Policy Specialist) at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Job Overview

This position serves as a Policy Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director. The incumbent is responsible for crafting, disseminating, and advocating for effective policies related to CDC Kenya’s public health initiatives. Working closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, the Policy Specialist provides expert guidance and support in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies related to infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health systems strengthening, and other public health priorities. The position will report to the CDC Kenya Deputy Country Director – GS 15 USDH 96-CD1183.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Development: 40% of time

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing public health policies and regulations to identify gaps, areas for improvement, and emerging issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at addressing public health challenges.
• Working with CDC Headquarters, monitor local and US legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely insights and guidance to inform CDC's policy positions and initiatives.
• Draft policy briefs, reports, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Interagency Coordination: 30% of time

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other mission health agencies, government agencies, ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, and other partners involved in health policy development and implementation.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and forums to foster dialogue, consensus-building, and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Serve as control officer and/or site officer for high-level visits to the country by White House, NSC, Department, Agency, and Congressional leaders.

Monitoring and Evaluation: 20% of time

• Monitor the implementation of health policies and strategies, collecting data and feedback to assess their effectiveness and impact.
• Conduct periodic evaluations and reviews of policy interventions to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for adjustment.
• Utilize evaluation findings to inform policy refinements and improvements, ensuring alignment with evolving health needs and priorities.

Knowledge Management and Advocacy: 10% of time

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in public health policy and practice.
• Disseminate knowledge and promote awareness of key policy issues through publications, presentations, and conferences.
• Implement the summative evaluation of communication campaigns, programs, and activities.

Note: "This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency."

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a: Police Clearance Certificate. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.  
• Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time four weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

Education:

Master's degree in public health, health policy, health economics, communications is required.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in health policy analysis, development, and advocacy, preferably in Kenya or a similar context is required.