Federal Position Descriptions
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Ambassador at Large for Global Health Diplomacy and Global Aids Coordinator

Ambassador at Large for Global Health Diplomacy and Global Aids Coordinator, Department of State
Responsibility
Management Scope

PEPFAR had a budget of $6.9 billion in fiscal 2023.2

Primary Responsibilities
  • Oversees and coordinates all resources and international activities of the United States government to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
  • Ensures program and policy coordination among relevant executive branch agencies and nongovernmental organizations, including auditing, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Establishes and leads an interagency working group on HIV/AIDS, including representatives from the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Conducts annual consultations with nongovernmental organizations in partner countries that provide health services, and advocate for individuals with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk of contracting it.
  • Directly approves all activities of the United States (including funding) relating to combatting HIV/AIDS in target countries.
  • Publicizes updated drug pricing data to inform the purchasing decisions of pharmaceutical procurement partners.3
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.
Requirements
  • Substantive expertise in infectious disease and public health, particularly in leadership roles.
  • International experience and prior exposure to major global health organizations.
  • Demonstrated commitment to public issues and support of public health initiatives.
Competencies
  • Strong media and public speaking skills among diverse groups of stakeholders.
  • Robust understanding of public health policy and law both domestically and abroad.
  • Ability to adapt to current events and public health crises.
Past Appointments
  • John Nkengasong (2022 to present): Director, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; acting deputy director, Center for Global Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); branch chief, Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis’ International Laboratory at the CDC.4
  • Deborah Birx (2014 to 2021): Director, Division of Global HIV/AIDS the CDC; director of the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; assistant chief of the Hospital Immunology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.5
  • Eric Goosby (2009 to 2013): CEO and chief medical officer, Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation; deputy director, White House Office of National AIDS Policy; Director, Ryan White CARE Act at  the Department of Health and Human Services.6
AGENCY

Department of State

Mission: The Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of U.S. diplomacy and the secretary of state is the president’s principal foreign policy advisor.

COMPENSATION

Level IV $176,300 (5 U.S.C § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of State (22 U.S.C. § 2651)

SENATE COMMITTEE

Foreign Relations

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Footnote
  1. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/5315
  2. https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-u-s-presidents-emergency-plan-for-aids-relief-pepfar/
  3. 22 U.S.C. 2651a(f)
  4. Leadership Directories.
  5. Leadership Directories.
  6. Leadership Directories.
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