Are you passionate about advancing global health and contributing to lasting development? Are you looking to build a meaningful career that directly impacts communities around the world? The World Bank invites experienced professionals to apply for the position of Senior Health Specialist (Job #: req32827), a key role that supports the organization’s mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen global health systems.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong background in public health, supply chain management, and global health financing to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health access and equity. The position is available in two locations: Washington, DC, United States, and Nairobi, Kenya.
About the World Bank and the HNP Global Practice
The World Bank is the world’s largest development bank, providing financial products and advisory services to support economic development and reduce poverty. Owned by 189 member countries, it works across a wide range of sectors to deliver impactful results globally.
Within the World Bank, the Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) Global Practice plays a central role in driving progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The HNP team comprises experts based in Washington, DC, and in country offices around the world, working together to build stronger, more inclusive health systems. The focus is on helping countries expand access to essential health services and reducing the financial burdens of healthcare on the most vulnerable populations.
About the Global Financing Facility (GFF)
Launched in 2015, the Global Financing Facility (GFF) is a multi-stakeholder partnership housed within the World Bank. It is designed to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N) in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The GFF supports governments in mobilizing and aligning domestic and external resources through investment cases, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and country-led.
By strengthening service delivery systems and promoting innovative financing mechanisms, the GFF works to close the health financing gap—estimated at US$33 billion annually—and ensure no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind.
About the Role: Senior Health Specialist
The selected candidate will join the GFF Secretariat as a Senior Health Specialist within the Workstream on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, Nutrition and Gender (RMNCAHNG). The workstream supports countries in delivering equitable, high-quality primary healthcare services in line with national priorities.
This role is pivotal in shaping and executing GFF’s strategy for improving RMNCAH-N commodity security and supply chain access, a critical component for effective service delivery. It will require both strategic thinking and hands-on collaboration with governments, partners, and technical teams across the World Bank and other global organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Development of the GFF Commodities and Supply Chain Strategy
Define and validate an approach that enhances access to RMNCAH-N commodities. Align this strategy with GFF’s broader 2026-2030 roadmap and integrate it with ongoing health financing, systems strengthening, and results-oriented work. - Drive Country-Level Investments and Technical Support
Work closely with World Bank task teams and partner governments to develop and implement projects that advance RMNCAH-N commodity security. Introduce and scale innovative financing mechanisms, such as Challenge Funds and blended finance models, to incentivize domestic resource mobilization. - Strengthen Donor Alignment and Global Influence
Represent GFF in global fora and support country-level alignment with donor priorities. Engage in high-level dialogues around supply chain management, financing, demand generation, private sector engagement, and health system reforms. - Build Strategic Collaborations
Network across the World Bank Group and the broader global health community to build partnerships that amplify the GFF’s impact. Maintain and manage working relationships with donor and technical partners, ensuring accountability and joint progress. - Manage Consultant Workstreams and Technical Assistance
Oversee the recruitment, coordination, and output of consultants supporting technical assistance in partner countries and development of global best practices.
Job Locations
This position is available in two strategic locations:
- Washington, DC, United States
- Nairobi, Kenya
Applicants may choose their preferred location based on eligibility and suitability.
Position Details
- Job Title: Senior Health Specialist
- Job Number: req32827
- Grade: GG
- Organization: The World Bank
- Term Duration: 3 years
- Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
- Closing Date: May 1, 2025, at 11:59pm UTC
Who Should Apply?
Candidates who are excited about contributing to impactful global health solutions and have deep experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Supply Chain and Commodity Security
At least 8 years of experience managing or advising on supply chain systems in public health settings, ideally in low-income or lower-middle-income countries. - Health Financing Integration
A clear understanding of how supply chains and commodity security align with broader health financing principles and system reforms. - Strategic Global Health Engagement
Experience working across multiple stakeholders, including governments, donors, private sector actors, and civil society to deliver scalable and sustainable health solutions. - Language Proficiency
Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French or Portuguese is desirable. - Educational Background
An advanced degree in health economics, logistics, supply chain, engineering, or a related discipline is essential, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Why Join the World Bank?
Working at the World Bank is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Here’s what you can expect:
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including retirement, health, and insurance coverage.
- A diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunities to engage in high-impact development work on a global scale.
- Access to professional development and training.
The World Bank is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
To view the full job details and submit your application, please refer to the attached PDF for additional context and insights into the position.
