Regional Learning and Knowledge Specialist

Position Title:                     Regional Learning and Knowledge Specialist
Reference:                            IGAD-RLKS
Project:                                 Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program (HEPRR)
Duty Station:                       Djibouti
Applications Deadline:     28th September 2026
Expected Start Date:         Immediate

 1.    Contextual Background

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), is a regional economic community (REC) under the African Union established in 1986 to foster social and economic cooperation, peace, regional integration among Member States with a mandate to strengthening regional health agenda and advancing attainment of the highest possible quality of life for its population. the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with ECSA-HC is implementing World Bank funded Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) as part of a regional effort to strengthen health emergency systems in 11 countries within Eastern and Southern Africa.

The AFE Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Program is a regional Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) supported by the World Bank to strengthen multisectoral preparedness, response and health system resilience in Eastern and Southern Africa. The MPA integrates equity and inclusion considerations, including gender, and supports regional learning and harmonization across participating countries.

Program Development Objective (PDO)

The Program Development Objective (PDO) of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) Program is to strengthen the multisectoral preparedness, response, and resilience of health systems in Eastern and Southern Africa to health emergencies.

MPA Program Components

The MPA is implemented through four components: (i) strengthening preparedness and resilience of regional and national health systems to manage health emergencies; (ii) improving detection and response to health emergencies at regional and national levels; (iii) program management; and (iv) Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC).

2.    Objective of the Position

The Learning Agenda Specialist will lead the design, operationalization, coordination and tracking of the HEPRR MPA Learning Agenda across participating countries. The role will ensure that learning questions, operational research priorities and knowledge products are systematically generated, synthesized and used to improve program implementation, support Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) decision-making, and contribute to regional and global evidence on health emergency preparedness, response and resilience.

2.1 Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation of the HEPRR-MPA Learning Agenda at regional level, including annual review, prioritization and updating of learning questions and research priorities;
• Support regional coherence and alignment for the learning agenda between IGAD, WB, ECSA-HC, and participating countries;
• Develop and maintain a Learning Agenda tracker, consolidating country progress on learning products, research proposals, evaluations, after-action reviews (AARs), and dissemination activities;
• Support countries and Communities of Practice (CoPs) to formulate, cost and implement priority learning activities, including operational/implementation research and rapid learning during outbreaks;
• Provide technical support for knowledge product development (e.g., evidence briefs, case studies, success stories, policy briefs, manuscripts) and ensure alignment with quality standards and target audiences;
• Coordinate peer learning and cross-country knowledge exchange through webinars, learning forums, regional newsletters, and the regional knowledge hub;
• Coordinate planning and delivery of regional writing workshops and manuscript development processes to accelerate peer-reviewed publications on HEPRR innovations and lessons learned;
• Translate complex evidence into clear, audience-specific content for policymakers, programme teams, and partners;
• Support the integration of learning and adaptation into HEPRR MPA implementation and reporting processes;
• Liaise with partners (e.g., WHO, Africa CDC, IGAD, IOM, academia) to support joint learning, harmonized tools, and dissemination of regional evidence; and
• Contribute to biannual/annual program reports and technical briefs, including learning sections for RAC and donor reporting.

3.    Key Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Master’s degree in public health, Global Health, Health Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Health Systems, Implementation Science, Health Communication, Knowledge Management or a related field; a PhD is an added advantage.
• Additional training in implementation science, knowledge translation, science communication, research utilization, or One Health is desirable.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in learning agenda coordination, operational/implementation research, knowledge management, M&E, or health systems strengthening—preferably in multi-country or regional programs.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing knowledge products (policy briefs, case studies, evidence syntheses, manuscripts) and supporting publication processes.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder processes (countries, partners, academia) and facilitating peer learning platforms (webinars, communities of practice, learning events).
• Experience working with governments, regional institutions, implementing partners, and development partners is essential.

Proven skills in data interpretation and translating evidence into program and policy recommendations

Essential Skills and Competencies Required

• Excellent writing, editing and synthesis skills for technical and policy audiences.
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills, including ability to manage multi-country workplans and deliverables.
• Competence in knowledge translation methods and evidence-to-policy approaches.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams and to engage senior stakeholders diplomatically.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with collaboration tools and reference management software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.

5      Duration of Assignment

The appointment shall be for an initial period of one year, renewable subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance, with the first three months constituting a probationary period.

6      Reporting and Institutional Framework

The Learning and Knowledge Specialist will report on a day-to-day basis to the Senior Program Coordinator. The Specialist will work closely with country project focal persons, CoP leads, the regional M&E and KM functions, and relevant partners to ensure timely delivery of learning agenda outputs and integration of learning into program decision-making.

7      Remuneration

Negotiable within the IGAD’s salary scale and policy, based on the recommended applicant’s qualification and experience.

8      How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their applications in PDF format accompanied by a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of academic credentials, copy of professional certification, copy of passport’s biometric page / national identity card and three reference persons including one from the last employer.

Applications should be submitted via email to the addresses: [email protected] with the subject line: ‘IGAD-RLKS’.

Closing date for submission of applications is on 28th September 2026, at or before 11:59 PM, Djibouti time zone (GMT+3).

Due to anticipated large number of applications, only successful candidates who meet the required experience and qualifications for this position will be contacted.

IGAD is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.