Consultant – Research and Publication

The World Health Organization's Africa Regional Office (WHO AFRO) is seeking an experienced Consultant in Research and Publication to support a landmark initiative: the establishment of the WHO AFRO peer-reviewed journal. This is a high-impact, time-sensitive consultancy role based in Nairobi, Kenya, contributing directly to strengthening health research systems across the African continent.

The successful consultant will work at the intersection of scientific publishing, research governance, and multi-stakeholder coordination. They will play a pivotal role in finalising partnerships, establishing editorial structures, and coordinating the official journal launch at the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in August 2026.

• Lead and support the establishment of the WHO AFRO journal within agreed timelines, ensuring compliance with international publishing standards.
• Assist in finalising the formal agreement with BMJ (British Medical Journal), including review of terms and coordination with legal and communications teams.
• Coordinate the recruitment and onboarding of the journal's editorial board, ensuring regional representation and scientific credibility.
• Plan, organise, and coordinate the official journal launch at the 76th WHO Regional Committee for Africa session in August 2026.
• Provide technical support on research governance matters for both WHO AFRO and Member States, including ethical review frameworks and research oversight systems.
• Contribute to the broader work of the Research Unit, offering expertise in research methodology, publication policy, and capacity strengthening.
• Engage diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, donor institutions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
• Provide mentorship and training in research ethics, governance, and publication best practices to regional stakeholders.

• Demonstrate at least 7 years of active engagement in health research and research systems, with documented outputs such as published work or research programmes managed.
• Apply deep knowledge of health research governance, ethical review processes, and human subjects research protection frameworks.
• Write and edit scientific content to international peer-reviewed journal standards, with the ability to guide authors through submission and revision processes.
• Navigate WHO or UN research governance frameworks, publication policies, and digital publishing platforms confidently.
• Coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with competing timelines, demonstrating strong project management capabilities.
• Communicate fluently and diplomatically in English with senior government officials, international partners, and academic leaders; working knowledge of French is a strong advantage.
• Hold a Master's degree in health research, public health, or social sciences as a minimum; additional certification in publishing, research ethics, or bioethics is highly desirable.

WHO consultancy rates are determined in line with the organisation's remuneration framework based on the consultant's qualifications and years of experience. For a senior consultancy of this nature in Nairobi, estimated monthly compensation is in the range of KES 400,000–700,000 equivalent, inclusive of applicable allowances. WHO consultants typically benefit from exposure to a global professional network, access to WHO knowledge resources, and the prestige of contributing to a transformative continental public health initiative.

Ideal candidates are seasoned health research professionals with a genuine passion for scientific publishing and research governance in the African context. You likely have a background in public health, epidemiology, or social sciences, combined with hands-on experience managing or contributing to peer-reviewed journals. You are comfortable working in international organisational settings and can navigate bureaucratic and diplomatic environments with ease.

Do not apply if you have fewer than 7 years of relevant experience, lack a postgraduate qualification in a related field, or have no prior exposure to scientific editorial processes or research ethics frameworks. This is not an entry-level or generalist communications role.

• Visit the WHO AFRO careers portal or the official WHO e-Recruit platform at jobs.who.int.
• Search for the Consultant – Research and Publication position under the Africa Regional Office.
• Submit your updated CV, a cover letter outlining your specific experience in health research governance and scientific publishing, and copies of relevant academic certificates.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing deadline of 1 July 2026.
• Note: WHO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Never pay for assessments, certificates, or background checks as part of this application.