Policy Advisor

Responsibilities

• The purpose of this role is to act as the policy focal point between Sightsavers and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the implementation of the WHO Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities at the country level.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Promote and support implementation of the recommendations of the global report at national level.
• Offer policy analysis and advice to help identify priorities and entry points for engaging with Ministries of Health and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate engagement in relevant policy processes and opportunities related to the implementation of the Global Report and Guide for Action process at the country level.
• Build strategic partnerships and alliances with key actors at the national and regional level to promote health equity, including governments, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, health sector partners, Civil society and relevant bilateral and multilateral agencies.
• Ensure continuity of information sharing across Sightsavers and act as a point of contact for WHO Disability team and WHO regional and country offices.
• Promote the integration of health equity into national long-term strategic health plans and support the development of Sightsavers’ policy analysis on health equity.
• Identify and leverage influencing opportunities at national and global levels in partnership with WHO.

This is a highly varied and involved role and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details
Skills and Experience

• The role will serve as a resource for Sightsavers and WHO, facilitating and coordinating their joint engagement with Ministries of Health and other key stakeholders in implementation processes, according to a shared workplan. The post-holder will provide technical support (policy analysis, stakeholder management, and coordination) to Sightsavers Country Offices and other stakeholders in promoting and supporting the implementation of the report.

Jobholder Requirements

Knowledge (Education and Related Experience):

• Experience in the international development sector, including health and disability policy work and/or health system strengthening.
• Understanding of development issues and best practices in global health, particularly public health and inclusion.
• Professional experience in disability, inclusion, public health, or a relevant topic.
• Experience in advocacy/influencing work and forging effective policy networks.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Ability to represent the organisation at a high level of engagement.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong intellectual skills for dealing with complex ideas and concepts.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong presentational and public speaking skills.
• Relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable:

• Fluency in French (spoken and written).