Consultant in Public Health Global - IHR Strengthening Project

Job summary

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.

The Global Health Protection Directorate supports the delivery of UKHSA’s Global Health Strategy. It provides a corporate service to UKHSA supporting the oversight, coordination, and delivery of UKHSA’s international activity and working with UK government departments and other UK partners to build and strengthen international public health links. The Directorate’s purpose is to strengthen global health protection and security, supporting partners to mitigate infection, chemical, radiation, environmental and disaster risks, and hazards.

Working for your organisation

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

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS STRENGTHENING PROJECT (IHR-S Project)

The International Health Regulations (IHR) Strengthening Project IHR strengthening project is an DHSC Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded project designed to improve IHR capability in selected countries and regions with medium and long-term activities taking place through partnerships with National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) in several countries in Africa and Asia. The project’s first implementation phase (2016-2021) is now complete, and the second funding cycle (2022-2025) commenced April 2022 and is completing in March 2026. The next project cycle is funded until March 2029.

The project has a triple remit to strengthen technical capability, strengthen leadership and develop sustainable public health systems. It does this through 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 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.

This is a position of influence, and it is important that the postholder is able to demonstrate the technical knowledge, skill and international relations capability required to operate effectively across the system at senior level.

The post holder will:

• Use their public health skills to contribute to the coordination and delivery of this Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded project to strengthen public health systems and support the implementation of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) in low and middle-income countries. 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.
• Contribute to day-to-day delivery of the project, including contributing to line management of project staff, business management and undertaking regular monitoring and reporting of progress, in support of the Head of the Project.
• As the Deputy Head of Project, the postholder will provide strategic and operational direction, contributing to the leadership and management of the project, with a particular focus on driving high quality delivery of the project
• Deputise as required for the Head of IHR-S Project
• Require excellent communication skills to deliver project updates, reports and briefings. They will use their 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.
• 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.
• Be based at UKHSA 10SC London, or core HQs but will involve some international travel for short stints (up to two weeks at a time) to partner countries and institutions.
• Coordinate some of the activities of the wider project team including Programme managers, project managers and project support officers and work closely with the Head and Country & Regional Leads (UKHSA Public Health Consultants) for the IHR-SP responsible for delivery of the project. The postholder will also be expected to lead some technical aspects of the project. The technical areas will be determined based on the post holder’s expertise and the project requirements
• Any other reasonable duties as required to deliver the project.

For further details, please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• 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 that are UK trained, 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. Applicants that are non-UK trained, 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 if applicable
• MFPH by examination, by exemption or by assessment
• Post-graduate qualification in Public Health (e.g. MPH) or related field

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant experience working in Global Public Health
• Significant experience working in Public Health at a senior level or a related discipline and experience of collaborative working at regional or national level in a multi-stakeholder environment
• Previous experience of working at a strategic level in low and middle income countries, engaging with, and influencing, directors and senior politicians.
• Experience of public health systems with demonstrable experience in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response and health protection
• Experience of public health systems in low and middle income countries and demonstrable experience in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response and health protection
• High level of understanding of surveillance, epidemiology and statistics, public health practice, health promotion, health economics and health system development.
• Significant experience managing and leading a team

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of UK public health system
• Scientific publications, presentation of papers at conferences, seminars etc.

Skills and Capabilities

Essential criteria

• Excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills (including dealing with the media and engaging with a wide range of diverse audiences)
• Ability to design, develop, interpret and implement policies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, motivational and influencing skills; effective negotiator with practical expectation of what can be achieved
• Strong global health diplomacy skills in engaging with senior leaders, ministers, senior government officials and other donor or development agency representatives
• Training and mentoring skills
• Resource and project management skills with the ability to respond appropriately in unplanned and unforeseen circumstances
• Understanding of global health including the health challenges of low- and middle-income countries and the international health architecture and knowledge of global health security architecture such as the WHO
• Computer literate

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria

• 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
• Significant self-awareness and cultural competency

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

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.

NHS Pension

If this role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

BENEFITS

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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

External
Open 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 statement of suitability must be no more than 1200 word count

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)

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
• Previous experience of working at a strategic level in low and middle income countries, engaging with, and influencing, directors and senior politicians.
• Significant experience managing and leading a large team

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 via Teams.

Interviews will be held WC 09 February 2026. 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:

Knowledge
Experience
Skills 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.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Clearance.

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 as the role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. 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.

Hybrid

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ’s (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London).
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must also meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Kathleen Skinner
• Email : kathleen.skinner@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : SCS.MDrecruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk