World Bank Senior Health Specialist – Global Financing Facility Opportunity 2026

About Organization
The World Bank Group is one of the world’s leading international financial institutions focused on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development. It operates through several arms, including the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
Through its Health, Nutrition, and Population initiatives, the World Bank Group works closely with governments and partners to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and expand equitable access to care. A key focus is advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and supporting countries in achieving long-term health and development goals.
The Global Financing Facility (GFF), housed within the World Bank, plays a central role in supporting women, children, and adolescents in low- and lower-middle-income countries. It mobilizes financing and technical expertise to help countries design and implement sustainable, evidence-based health programs that save lives and improve outcomes.
About Opportunity
The Senior Health Specialist (Maternal and Newborn Health) position is a high-level technical and advisory role based in Washington, DC, within the GFF secretariat under the World Bank Group’s health sector. This role focuses on improving maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health outcomes across partner countries.
The specialist will work closely with governments, World Bank task teams, and global partners to design and implement large-scale health interventions. A strong emphasis is placed on maternal and newborn health (MNH), particularly in countries with high mortality rates. The role contributes to the GFF’s mission of ending preventable deaths among women, newborns, and adolescents by strengthening health systems and financing approaches.
This position also involves supporting country-led investment cases, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring that funding from different sources is effectively coordinated. The specialist will contribute to knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and global partnerships while ensuring that strategies are grounded in evidence and aligned with long-term development goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Key Responsibilities
The Senior Health Specialist will:
- Provide expert technical guidance to country clients and internal teams on maternal and newborn health strategies.
- Translate evidence-based practices into scalable investment programs within health systems.
- Support the design and implementation of performance-based financing and evaluation frameworks to improve service quality.
- Advise on collaboration across sectors such as education, social protection, and labor to strengthen health outcomes.
- Contribute to knowledge products, including case studies, research, tools, and technical reports.
- Participate in global and regional forums, representing the GFF in maternal and newborn health partnerships.
- Support reporting, monitoring, and strategic implementation of GFF initiatives aligned with Transform 2030 goals.
- Serve as a focal point for selected partner countries, assisting with investment case development and coordination with stakeholders.
- Work closely with regional teams to facilitate the use of financing tools such as IDA and IBRD resources.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is suitable for experienced professionals with strong expertise in maternal and newborn health and health systems strengthening. Applicants should have:
- An advanced degree (preferably a doctorate) in medicine, public health, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), particularly in low-resource or complex settings.
- Proven experience implementing evidence-based health interventions at scale.
- Strong understanding of primary health care systems and health financing reforms.
- Experience working across sectors and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including governments, donors, and development partners.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical knowledge into practical solutions.
- Familiarity with World Bank operations or similar international development institutions is an advantage.
- The ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to high-impact global initiatives.
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Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare a detailed application highlighting their relevant experience in maternal and newborn health, health systems strengthening, and large-scale program implementation. Applications are typically submitted through the official World Bank Group careers portal.
Candidates may be required to submit a CV, cover letter, and supporting documents demonstrating their qualifications and professional achievements. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a competitive selection process, which may include interviews and technical assessments.
Why Work Here
Working with the World Bank Group provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful global impact by improving health outcomes for women, children, and communities worldwide. Employees benefit from a collaborative international environment, exposure to complex development challenges, and opportunities to work with leading experts across sectors.
The role offers professional growth, engagement with global partners, and the chance to influence large-scale health initiatives that shape national and regional health systems. It is ideal for individuals passionate about development, public health, and making a measurable difference in vulnerable populations.




