About this role
Job summary
The post will be based within the British High Commission Islamabad and will be designated as an official of HMG. Diplomatic skills and ability to engage with Ministers, senior Government and other donor or development agency officials will be a core part of the role.
There will be regular travel to other (FCDO approved) areas of Pakistan and approved countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. The post is open to UK Nationals and Commonwealth citizens. The post-holder will be expected to comply with British Embassy security protocols and will have to successfully undergo SC security vetting.
This post is located within UKHSA's Global Health Protection Directorate, led by the Director of Global Health Protection, and sits within the Chief Medical Advisor (CMA) Group which provides trusted clinical and public health leadership through expert advice, guidance, epidemiological insights, and evidence. The group leads and delivers services protecting the population from hazards locally, nationally, and globally.
Main duties of the job
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS STRENGTHENING PROJECT (IHR-S Project)
The International Health Regulations (IHR) Strengthening Project IHR strengthening project is an Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded project designed to improve IHR capability in selected countries and regions. The project is focused on strengthening technical capability, strengthening leadership and developing sustainable public health systems. It does this delivering technical advice and working at national level in partnerships with NPHIs and Ministries and at a regional level with regional bodies such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) as well as regional WHO. Its work programmes are delivered in collaboration with other Public Health institutes and Ministries of Health and aligned to a One HMG approach.
The Consultant in Public Health will use their public health skills to contribute to the coordination and delivery of IHR Strengthening project to strengthen public health systems and support the implementation of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) in Pakistan and the EMR region. The role will contribute to further development of the IHR project, ensuring that UKHSA's technical expertise is optimally applied in the delivery of the project objectives.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description Job responsibilities
The Global Health Protection Directorate supports the delivery of UKHSAs Global Health Strategy. It provides a corporate service to UKHSA supporting the oversight, coordination, and delivery of UKHSAs international activity and working with UK government departments and other UK partners to build and strengthen international public health links. The Directorates purpose is to strengthen global health protection and security, supporting partners to mitigate infection, chemical, radiation, environmental and disaster risks, and hazards.
This Pakistan and EMR role will provide expert Public Health input to the IHR-S projects work with Pakistan National Institute of Health (NIH), the Federal and Provincial MOH, EMPHNET and other partners as appropriate including WHO country and regional offices. This will include providing technical input and leadership to selected public health partners and projects in collaboration with NIH, EMPHNET and other partners.
We are seeking individuals with Public Health technical knowledge, leadership and international relations capability, able to demonstrate both UKHSAs and Civil Services competencies and ways of working. They will have held professional accountability for public health decisions and familiar with governance structures, risk management, and ethical considerations.
Key to this is the ability to influence, negotiate and operate effectively across the system at senior level managing key relationships with local and other (international) stakeholders and overseeing the development of UKHSAs project to strengthen IHR capacity in Pakistan.
The postholder will work in close partnership with Pakistans National Institute of Health (NIH) which is the national IHR focal point, and with provincial Departments of Health to deliver project activities in Pakistan. The postholder will collaborate with EMPHNET and other partners in the Eastern Mediterranean, national authorities, and a range of national and international public health partners to advance priority areas aligned with IHR technical domains.
The role provides leadership for the IHRSP Pakistan team, ensuring effective oversight, coordination, and high-quality technical delivery. Responsibilities include advising on system coordination, supporting technical and organisational development, and cultivating key strategic partnerships and networks. EMR work is delivered mainly by the postholder and key UKHSA Senior technical leads in collaboration with strategic EMR partners.
The postholder will maintain regular engagement with the IHR Strengthening Projects Head of Project, as well as liaising with the IHR-SP country and regional leads.
The post-holder will be responsible for delivering and coordinating the delivery of a number of outputs jointly agreed by UKHSA and relevant Pakistani partners building on existing work and in conjunction with local project staff, and with extensive involvement of wider stakeholders. These willbe agreed in consultation with UKHSA IHR-SP SLT.
For further details, please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification.
ExternalOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Stage 1: Application & Sift
This vacancy is using Competency .
At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the Job Description & Person Specification attached to this vacancy advert.
You will be required to complete an:
Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1200 word Statement of Suitability/ behaviour statements / technical statements
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1200
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)
Longlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to the next stage
If we receive a large number of applications, an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted:
Inclusion in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List/UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists. If MBBS or Equivalent AND full and specialist registration (and a licence to practise) with the GMC (or eligible for registration within 6 months of interview). Applicants must meet minimum CPD requirements (i.e. be up to date) in accordance with the UK Faculty of Public Health requirements or other recognised body if applicable. Experience of public health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and demonstrable experience in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, and health protection including implementation or technical advisory roles. Experience operating at a strategic leadership level, influencing senior decision makers (e.g., directors, ministers, senior officials, donors etc) using strong health diplomacy skills and with the ability to secure cooperation and manage complex stakeholder relationships. We will only take through applications that meet all essential criteria.
Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of applications.
Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based):
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Interviews will be held week in June (TBC), please note these dates are subject to change.
This vacancy is being assessed using a competency based method. During the interview we will assess against the below:
KnowledgeExperienceSkills and Abilities
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the point of the Consultant salary scale appropriate to their years of seniority or if from a background other than medicine to NHS Agenda for Change Band 8d.
Inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice (or be eligible for registration within six months of interview)
If included in the GMC Specialist Register/ in a specialty other than public health medicine, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice
Public Health Specialty Registrar applicants who are not yet on the GMC Specialist Register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry at the date of interview; all other applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the GMC.
Inclusion in the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists (or eligibility within six months of interview).
Nonmedical applicants who are not yet fully registered with the UKPHR must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within six months of gaining specialist registration at the date of interview. All other nonmedical applicants must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they have applied for inclusion in the UKPHR Specialist Register (for example, confirmation that a UKPHR specialist portfolio has been submitted).
Security Clearance
All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:
Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) For this role you will also need to meet:
Security Clearance (SC) check. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years but in exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
UK Health Security Agency promoted diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunities employer
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
The National Health Service (Appointment of Consultants) Regulations 1996 (legislation.gov.uk) In line with legislation, inclusion in the GMC Full and Specialist Register with a license to practice/GDC Specialist List or inclusion in the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) for Public Health Specialists at the point of application. If included in the GMC Specialist Register/GDC Specialist List in a specialty other than public health medicine/dental public health, candidates must have equivalent training and/or appropriate experience of public health practice Any public health speciality registrar applicants who are currently on the UK public health training programme and not yet on either the GMC, GDC or UKPHR specialist register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry to a register at the date of interview Applicants going through the portfolio registration routes (GMC or UKPHR) are not eligible to be shortlisted for interview until they are included on the register. The six-month rule does not apply to these portfolio route applicants. If an applicant is UK trained in Public Health, they must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview. If an applicant is non-UK trained, they will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT. Applicants must meet minimum CPD requirements (i.e. be up to date) in accordance with Faculty of Public Health requirements or other recognised body. MFPH by examination, by exemption or by assessment, or equivalent. Postgraduate qualification in Public Health or a related field (e.g. MPH).
Desirable
Masters in Public Health or equivalent
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Proven experience with public health systems, including demonstrable expertise in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and incident response, and health protection. Substantial senior-level experience in public health or a closely related discipline, including work across multi-stakeholder regional or national environments. Experience of public health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and demonstrable experience in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, and health protection including implementation or technical advisory roles. Experience operating at a strategic leadership level, influencing senior decision makers (e.g., directors, ministers, senior officials, donors etc) using strong health diplomacy skills and with the ability to secure cooperation and manage complex stakeholder relationships. High level of understanding of surveillance, epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health system development. Experience of leading and managing teams, including performance and resource management.
Desirable
Strong project and resource management skills, including the ability to respond effectively to unplanned or urgent events. Understanding of UK public health system. Comprehensive understanding of global health, including challenges in LMIC settings, the international health architecture, global health security frameworks (e.g.,WHO IHR 2005), and systems such as IDSR.
Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours Essential
Excellent oral, written and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences (including ministers, media etc). Ability to use public health expertise to problem solve, discuss issues with senior leadership, and ensure that measures to mitigate any risks to the delivery of the project are implemented. Ability to design, interpret, implement and evaluate public health policy. Ability to train, mentor and support the professional development of team members and partners. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Significant self-awareness and cultural competency.
Desirable
Scientific publications, presentation of papers at conferences, seminars etc. Strong digital literacy and competence in using standard computer software. Need to be a highly motivated individual and a self-starter, who can work independently and will require the ability to be able to work in a complex and changing environment.
Equality and Diversity Essential
An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address UKHSA
London
E14 4PU
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)