Stretch Assignment: Health Specialist (Primary Health Care) P-3, NO-3, 4 months – Freetown Sierra Leone

Title: Health Specialist (Primary Health Care)
Level: P3/NO-3 – we encourage staff from all levels with the relevant experience to apply
Reports to: Chief, Health and Nutrition
Duration: 4 months
Section: Health and Nutrition Section
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2025
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

Background

UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Office is looking for an interested, qualified, and highly motivated staff member to support the Directorate of Directorate of Primary Health Care and Director Policy Planning and Information under the Ministry of Health (MOH) in timely and effective implementation of the planned programme activities in primary health care, child health, community health, and system strengthening for children in Sierra Leone. The overarching focus is on implementation of the Child Survival Action (CSA) Plan (2023-2025), including strengthening of the community health program

Purpose of the Position

Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief, Health & Nutrition, the staff on stretch assignment is expected to sustain momentum on ongoing child health and community health activities and provide strategic input into key initiatives under the current country programme and specific donor-funded projects.

Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of four (4) months.

Key expected results

• Technical inputs provided into implementation plans for primary health care, child and community health interventions, including drafts or reviews of guidance documents or tools related to PHC and child health
• Monthly coordination activities and implementation updates
• Contributions to donor reports, funding proposals, or programmatic updates
• Training, mentorship, and joint supportive supervision missions to strengthen health worker capacities organized
• Use of community health information systems, and integration of community data into DHIS2 achieved

Please see attached ToR.  ToR – Stretch Assignment Health Specialist P-3.pdf

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

• An advanced university degree in medicine, public health and / or any relevant field.
• 5 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international levels in child health, community health and / or related field is required.
• Proven experience working with government health systems and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated capacity to keep focus on results and sustain progress even amidst institutional inertia, shifting priorities, and limited resources.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across different functions.
• A good knowledge of UNICEF grant management processes is required.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required.
• Prior experience in a supervisory capacity is preferred

Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).

The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.