Application Guide

How to Apply for National Coordinator

at Amref Health Africa

🏢 About Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international health development organization, founded in 1957 with deep roots in community health transformation across 35 African countries. What makes Amref unique is its commitment to community-driven, people-centered health systems and addressing social determinants of health, with over 180 programs impacting 40+ million people. Working here means contributing to sustainable health change in Africa through locally-led solutions rather than external interventions.

About This Role

As National Coordinator for Amref in Burkina Faso, you'll lead program implementation and coordination for community health, nutrition, and protection initiatives in a country where Amref has been active since 2021. This role is impactful because you'll be responsible for positioning Amref as a key technical actor in Burkina Faso's health landscape, directly contributing to strengthening community health systems in a region with significant health challenges. You'll bridge headquarters strategy with local implementation while building partnerships with national stakeholders.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with Nairobi headquarters to align on strategy, coordinating with field teams in Burkina Faso on program implementation challenges, and engaging with local government health officials to strengthen partnerships. You'll likely spend time analyzing program data, developing reports on community health outcomes, and planning how to better integrate nutrition and protection components into existing health programs.

🎯 Who Amref Health Africa Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years experience in health program coordination in West Africa, specifically in community health, nutrition, or protection sectors
  • Demonstrates fluency in French (Burkina Faso's official language) and strong understanding of local health systems and cultural contexts
  • Possesses proven experience in stakeholder engagement with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations in Burkina Faso or similar contexts
  • Shows ability to work remotely while effectively coordinating field teams and maintaining program quality across distributed locations

📝 Tips for Applying to Amref Health Africa

1

Highlight specific experience with community health systems in West Africa, particularly Burkina Faso if you have it

2

Demonstrate understanding of Amref's 'people-centered health systems' approach with concrete examples from your past work

3

Show how you've worked remotely while maintaining strong field coordination and program quality

4

Include metrics showing your impact on community health outcomes in previous roles

5

Reference Amref's specific focus areas in Burkina Faso (community health, nutrition, protection) and how your experience aligns

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your direct experience with community health systems in West Africa and understanding of Burkina Faso's health landscape", 'Examples of successfully coordinating multi-stakeholder health programs remotely or in challenging environments', "Alignment with Amref's mission of 'catalyzing people-centered health systems' and addressing social determinants of health", "How you've contributed to making health systems more accountable to communities in previous roles"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Amref's specific programs and achievements in Burkina Faso since 2021
  • Burkina Faso's current health priorities, challenges, and key stakeholders in community health
  • Amref's 'people-centered health systems' framework and how it differs from traditional approaches
  • The social determinants of health affecting communities in Burkina Faso specifically

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience coordinating health programs in Burkina Faso or similar West African contexts
2 How would you position Amref as a technical actor in Burkina Faso's competitive NGO landscape?
3 What strategies would you use to ensure community ownership of health programs while working remotely?
4 How have you previously addressed social determinants of health in your programming?
5 Describe your approach to building partnerships with government health agencies and local organizations
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't address Amref's specific community-driven approach or Burkina Faso context
  • Focusing only on clinical health experience without demonstrating understanding of community health systems
  • Failing to show how you'd work effectively in a remote role while coordinating field-based programs

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Amref Health Africa!