Assistant Public Health Officer

UNOPS

May 1, 2019 (4 years ago) 0 Comments



Organizational Context

Being under direct supervision of Program Officer, the position of Asst. Public Health Officer is responsible to ensure that persons of concern access adequate health and nutrition services by supervising and monitoring partners providing these services, ensuring established health protocols are adhered to, disseminating health information. Moreover, the incumbent is responsible in liaising with government counter parts on health, detecting and responding to any diseases outbreaks, and monitoring health and nutritional status of the population.

In order to ensure wider reach out to the refugees and other persons of concern and ensure their close involvement in the delivery and management of health services, the incumbent will need to establish an appropriate consultative and monitoring framework which would draw the experience and expertise of a wide range of actors both internally and externally.  

The incumbent of the position oversees and supervises the Public Health programmes in the operations under Area of Responsibility and provide strong technical guidance to partners, monitor and evaluate the programme and ensure and lead monthly health coordination meetings. The incumbent has close contacts with internal and external stakeholders such as the Government counterparts, UN Agencies and other partners.

 

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability 

  • UNHCR Public Health programme is implemented based on updated needs assessments and through partners adequately trained and having received proper guidance. The implementation strategy is developed in line with the overall coordination.
  • A viable standard Health Information System in place for data collection, analysis and interpretation to serve as evidence base for planning and interventions.
  • Joint Assemment Mission (JAM), nutritional survey and other assessments are adequately conducted and implemented.
  • Monthly health coordination meetings are conducted with all relevant partners.

Responsibility

  • Support the prioritization of the Primary Health Care strategy focusing on preventive and basic curative health, including mental health, reproductive health, HIV and nutritional components.
  • Support in the programming exercise to draw proposals and budgets related to public health, HIV, and nutrition.
  • Provide technical assistance to UNHCR’s partners in development, integration and mainstreaming of appropriate and cost-effective public health programmes.
  • Work in a multi-sectoral and co-ordinated approach in co-operation with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other humanitarian partners.
  • Work closely with UNHCR protection staff to identify priority health issues and key data requirements for programme planning and monitoring to ensure that minimum UNHCR and international standards are being met.
  • Promote basic health education for populations of concern and train refugee health workers (e.g. community health workers, peer educators, counselors, etc.).
  • Work towards strenghtening local structures and capacities; ensure strong linkages among health, nutrition, food security and WASH with protection and other sectors.
  • Improve coordination among partners and participate in capacity building efforts.
  • Use community-based approaches, including clear involvement of persons of concern in the public health and nutritional programmes.
  • Work with other sectors in UNHCR to advocate for access to refugees, returnees and other persons of concern to local health services and advocate for inclusion of refugees, returnees and other persons of concern into government policies and programmes.

Ensure regular update and share information within UNHCR as well as with relevant government, UN and NGO counterparts and donor communities.

 

Authority

  • Provide guidance on the overall strategy and focus of public health programmes in the operation.
  • Intervene with partners on public health and nutrition issue.
  • Negotiate locally on behalf of UNHCR.
  • Decide priorities in the designing of implementation plan.
  • Advise on UNHCR’s partners' selection.

Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all Public Health standard operating procedures.

 

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience 

  • Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Public Health or a clinical background (nurse or MD) with postgraduate training in Public Health
  • Minimum 6 years (5 years with Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s or MD)) of previous job experience relevant to the function and in national/multinational organizations.
  • Knowledge of public health, nutrition and HIV in humanitarian emergencies.
  • Very good communication and computer skills
  • Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

 

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies

  • Experience, advanced training, balance and combined knowledge in different subjects: e,g, public health, reproductive health.
  • Experience in UNHCR Field Operations (Emergencies).
  • Knowledge of additional UN languages

 

Submission of Applications

This vacancy is open for qualified Ethiopians only. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

 

IMPORTANT

Applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter and an updated P11 form and factsheet through the online application system.

Candidates may be required to sit for a test.

Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for further interview. 

 

 Refugees – who cares?   We Do.