Senior Public Health Advisor - Pakistan and EMR Consultant in Public Health

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.

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.

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.

Job description

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.

This Pakistan and EMR role will provide expert Public Health input to the IHR-S project’s 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.

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

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• 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 criteria

• Masters in Public Health or equivalent

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• 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 criteria

• 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 criteria

• 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 criteria

• 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 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.

Benefits

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

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

We are seeking individuals with Public Health technical knowledge, leadership and international relations capability, able to demonstrate both UKHSA’s 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 UKHSA’s project to strengthen IHR capacity in Pakistan.

The postholder will work in close partnership with Pakistan’s 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 IHR‑SP 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 Project’s 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 will be agreed in consultation with UKHSA IHR-SP SLT.

In delivering the responsibilities set out below, the post-holder will be expected to demonstrate the use of the competencies as set out by the Faculty of Public Health in addition to Civil servant core competencies if appropriate to the individuals registration.

The work will comprise an appropriate mix of the following activities (although not restricted to these)

• 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.
• Provide Leadership to the IHR-SP Pakistan team and support IHR-SLT in setting direction and prioritising workplans in Pakistan and EMR region.
• Advising on and providing IHR capacity strengthening and technical support to public health partners and organisations in Pakistan and EMR region where a need has been expressed and is within IHR-SP core mandates.
• Demonstrate strong diplomacy skills in engaging with senior leaders, ministers, senior government officials and other donor or development agency representative.
• Proactively influence and negotiate to develop and manage effective key relationships with local and other international stakeholders.
• Maintain, strengthen and build close working relationships with Pakistan IHR focal point and National Institute of Health Pakistan and other key stakeholders and public health-related opinion leaders Pakistan.
• Under the direction of the IHR-SP SLT, provide advice and guidance on UKHSA activities with NIH Pakistan, and in consultation with the IHR-SP SLT and partner organisations, set objectives for the UKHSA IHR-S project with NIH and EMPHNET
• Facilitating alignment between the work programmes of NIH and UKHSA’s country and regional level capacity strengthening activities.
• Ensure the delivery of UKHSA’s project to strengthen IHR compliance in Pakistan and relevant EMR Countries.

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

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to the UKHSA. This will include.

Internal

• UKHSA IHR strengthening project senior leadership team
• IHR-S project leads in other countries and regions
• UKHSA staff deploying to Pakistan as part of this or other projects to provide specific input
• Daily contact with administrators, consultants, scientists, senior managers, and directors as required.
• Wider UKHSA Global Health Protection Directorate teams
• UKHSA Senior technical advisors

External

• FCDO colleagues in the High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan
• Pakistan NIH
• WHO EMRO
• Research and academic institutes in Pakistan
• WHO Country Office in Pakistan
• EMPHNET
• Key international partners
• Non-governmental organisations and academia
• Federal and Provincial Ministry of Health Pakistan
• Sub-contractors as relevant

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 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:

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.

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).

Non‑medical 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 non‑medical 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.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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

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 : Muhammad Sartaj
• Email : Muhammad.Sartaj@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