Public Health Specialist

Role Responsibility

We are seeking two exceptional Public Health Specialists to join our ambitious and high-performing Public Health team. These roles offer the opportunity to work on some of Kent's most important public health priorities, helping to improve population health outcomes and reduce health inequalities across one of the largest and most diverse counties in England.
We are looking for talented public health professionals who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent professional judgement, intellectual curiosity and the ability to deliver in a complex local government environment. You will be confident working with data, evidence and research, able to think critically and logically, and skilled at translating analysis into practical action and meaningful change.
You will be a highly effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills, able to produce high-quality reports, influence decision-makers and build productive relationships across organisations and professional disciplines. You will be reliable, organised and adaptable, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for communities and tackling health inequalities.
What we're looking for
We are interested in applicants who can demonstrate:
Strong knowledge and application of public health theory and practice.
Excellent analytical, critical appraisal and problem-solving skills.
The ability to use data, intelligence, evidence and research to inform decision-making.
Outstanding written communication and report-writing skills.
Experience of working effectively within complex partnerships and systems.
Strong organisational, programme and project management skills.
Sound resource management and commissioning awareness.
Professional credibility, resilience and sound judgement.
A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and learning.
A passion for reducing health inequalities and improving population health outcomes.
The opportunities
Successful candidates will join one of two Public Health portfolios. Both roles share a common focus on improving population health, using evidence to inform action, and working collaboratively across the health and care system.
Portfolio 1: Sexual Health
This role will help oversee a major sexual health portfolio, supporting the delivery and transformation of approximately £18 million of services and interventions for a population of more than 1.6 million people. The postholder will lead complex programmes of improvement and change, working closely with providers, NHS partners, local authority colleagues and communities to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and deliver sustainable, system-wide impact. The postholder will design and lead the delivery of high-quality needs assessments to inform service planning and improvement.
Portfolio 2: Research, Evaluation, Intelligence and Strategic Development
This role will focus on strengthening the use of evidence, research and evaluation to inform public health decision-making. The postholder will contribute to the development of business cases, funding bids and strategic proposals, helping to identify innovative solutions and opportunities to improve population health outcomes. The postholder will also work independently to structure, conduct and write Health Needs Assessments.
Application process
Please indicate in your application whether you have a preference for either portfolio.
Unless you tell us otherwise, you will be considered for both vacancies. We will run a single interview process and assess candidates against the shared Public Health Specialist requirements, while also considering the specific strengths needed for each portfolio. Successful candidates will be matched to the portfolio that best fits their skills, experience and interests.
Why join us?
Kent Public Health is a supportive, ambitious and collaborative team that values innovation, professionalism and continuous learning. We are committed to developing our people and creating an environment where talented public health professionals can thrive, influence decisions and make a tangible difference to the lives of Kent residents.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Interview date:
18 September 2026. Interviews will be held in person at Sessions House, Maidstone. Successful candidates will be informed of interview invitations by Friday 4 September, 2026.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion about these opportunities, please contact Professor Durka Dougall (
durka.dougall@kent.gov.uk
) or Dr Dino Motti (
dino.motti@kent.gov.uk
) who are the recruiting Public Health Consultants leading on these portfolios.

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Job Description & Person Specification

Public Health Specialist JD.pdf