OVERVIEW

Tobacco use continues to be a major public health concern in Kenya, contributing to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory conditions. Although Kenya has made progress in tobacco control, challenges remain in areas such as enforcement of tobacco laws, regulation of emerging nicotine products, taxation, and access to cessation services. To support the country’s efforts to strengthen tobacco control, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Kenya is seeking a Tobacco Control Public Health Officer. The position will provide technical and programmatic support to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in implementing, monitoring, and strengthening evidence-based tobacco control measures in Kenya.

ROLE OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of the position is to

provide high-level technical and programmatic support to the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders in strengthening tobacco control policies, legislation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in Kenya.
The officer will contribute to advancing WHO FCTC implementation.
Strengthening national coordination mechanisms.
Enhancing surveillance and research.
Supporting enforcement and compliance efforts.
Integrating tobacco control into broader NCD and health promotion strategies.
Supporting reporting to regional and global frameworks.
Facilitating alignment with global best practices and WHO technical guidance.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Public Health Officer, Tobacco Control will be responsible for the following key duties:

The officer will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in reviewing, developing, and implementing tobacco control policies, strategies, and regulations consistent with WHO FCTC provisions and global best practices. This will include supporting regulatory frameworks for smoke-free environments, tobacco advertising bans, packaging and labelling requirements, taxation measures, and regulation of emerging nicotine and tobacco products.
The officer will support national coordination and multi-sectoral engagement, including collaboration with government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, and development partners to strengthen implementation of tobacco control measures.
The officer will contribute to strengthening tobacco surveillance systems, including supporting implementation of population-based surveys, monitoring of tobacco use trends, and analysis of data to inform policy decisions. This includes contributing to national reporting obligations under the WHO FCTC.
Provide technical assistance for operationalization of the Kenya reference laboratory for testing tobacco products.
Support the Ministry of Health in the establishment and implementation of quality and integrated tobacco cessation services within the general health care system in collaboration with multi-stakeholders.
Provide technical support to multi-stakeholders for implementation of alternative livelihoods project in the targeted Counties.
The officer will help build national and county-level capacity by developing training materials, organizing workshops, and providing technical guidance to strengthen enforcement, compliance monitoring, and integration of cessation services into primary health care.
The officer will prepare technical briefs, policy notes, donor reports, and strategic documents to support advocacy and resource mobilization. The officer will also contribute to broader NCD prevention initiatives and ensure tobacco control is integrated into universal health coverage and primary health care frameworks.
The officer will perform other related duties as assigned by WHO management in line with organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Global Health, Health Economics, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
Master’s Degree in any of the above fields is desirable.
Training in tobacco control, NCD prevention, public policy analysis, health law, or implementation science is an added advantage.
At least five years of professional experience in public health, including three years in tobacco control, NCD prevention, health policy, or public health programme management.
Experience in policy analysis, programme planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and public health programme coordination.
Experience working with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders in implementing public health programmes.
Experience with data analysis, research, surveillance, and evidence generation is desirable.
Familiarity with Kenya’s devolved health system and county-level governance is an advantage.
Expert knowledge of English is essential, while working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
Advanced skills in data analysis and visualization using Excel, STATA, SPSS, Power BI, or similar tools are desirable.