Initiative Lead/ Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative

Position description

About the Middle East Council on Global Affairs

The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is an independent, non-profit policy research institution based in Doha, Qatar. It conducts policy-relevant research, convenes meetings, and dialogues, and engages policy actors on geopolitical and socioeconomic issues specific to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Serving as a bridge between the MENA region and the rest of the world, the ME Council provides a regional perspective on global policy issues. It also establishes partnerships with other leading research institutions and development organizations across the MENA region and the world.

About the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative

In February 2024, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) and the Gates Foundation, with the support of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened an inaugural meeting of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative in Doha. The initiative was conceived as a response to stagnating health indicators in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the global commitments and significant funding from global health initiatives. The initiative aims to provide a platform for LMICs to exchange knowledge and share insights in order to identify barriers in health policy implementation and propose effective solutions. Following a successful inaugural convening, the initiative has attracted global interest in its audacious goal of improving public health outcomes in the Global South.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Initiative Lead is responsible for leading and managing the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative and developing the health policy portfolio at the ME Council.

• Technical and Project Management Duties

-         Provide technical advice and support to the ME Council and its partners in the areas of Public Health with a specific focus on Global Health.

-         Lead the ME Council Public Health Initiative with a specific focus on Global Health (prepare briefing notes, materials, meetings, etc.).

-         Develop the technical components of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative convenings (topics, material, agenda, partnerships etc.).

-         Provide technical, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of the pilot projects developed with LMICs and Qatari partners under the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative.

-         Act as the ME Council public health expert and represent the ME Council at meetings and conferences.

-         Lead collaboration with LMICs involved in the initiative, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on country-level pilot projects.

-         Prepare and lead the organization of the initiative’s convenings, ensuring alignment with overall goals and objectives.

-         Develop and manage the community of practice for the Global South experts.

-         Develop and expand the public health portfolio of the ME Council, identifying new opportunities and partnerships.

-         Mobilize resources for the implementation of the Doha Global South Health Policy Initiative and the public health portfolio of the ME Council.

-         Summarize technical support, capacity building and strengthening activities provided by the ME Council in annual reports.

-         Lead the organization of relevant meetings, workshops, and convenings.

-         Support the preparation of funding proposals and reports, assisting in the procurement of resources and partnerships.

-         Provide general administrative support to the initiative, including correspondence management, data entry, and office organization.

-         Maintain accurate records and documentation related to project activities, stakeholder interactions, and project progress.

• Research and Writing

-         Conduct original in-depth research and analysis on public health issues relevant to LMICs, generating actionable insights and policy recommendations.

-         Produce comprehensive briefings, reports, and notes for various stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance.

-         Author / co-author academic articles, white papers, and other publications to disseminate findings and promote the initiative’s work.

-         Stay abreast with the latest developments in public health, medical research, and LMICs' healthcare systems to inform ongoing projects and strategies.

Qualifications

Applicant Requirements

The role requires significant engagement and expertise in the medical and public health fields, particularly within LMIC contexts.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Essential

• A Medical Degree (MD) and a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related field, or a PhD in Public Health or a related field is required.​
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in public health, including substantial work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing public health projects at the country level, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with LMICs.
• Proven experience in advising stakeholders on public health initiatives and support mechanisms in LMICs.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

• Fluency in English (C2)
• Intermediate level in French is desired.
• Intermediate level in Arabic is desired.
• Skilled in preparing and delivering briefings and reports for a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Desirable background in organizing events or convenings related to public health initiatives.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Flexibility, creativity, and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and promote partnerships across the organization and beyond.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use and manage resources.
• Capacity for creating an empowering and motivating environment.

Application instructions

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A CV (2 pages maximum) including professional and educational experience, three references, full contact information.
• A cover letter along with any additional information you wish to convey.
• Writing Sample.
• List of Published Research.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Contractual Arrangement: Temporary term contract

Contract Duration: 2 years

Location: Doha, Qatar

Submission deadline: April 30, 2025.

Please note that applications may be closed before the deadline if a sufficient number of quality applications are received.