National Consultant Public Health Specialist

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. This consultancy operates under the 'Strengthening Cooperation on Migration Management in Algeria' project, funded by the Netherlands MFA, focusing on enhancing migration governance, protection services, and public health surveillance in Algeria, particularly in transit hubs facing complex migration challenges.

Job Purpose

The Public Health Specialist will provide crucial technical advice to enhance migration health management in Algeria under the COMPASS MPF II project. This role involves coordinating with the Ministry of Health, regional authorities, and WHO to align outreach with national priorities, and to facilitate the procurement and implementation of a mobile laboratory. The specialist will also develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for referral, reporting, and emergency response, and design and deliver a comprehensive training program for local operators on laboratory procedures, biosafety, and psychosocially informed care, ultimately aiming to improve migrant health services and surveillance.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include coordinating with the Ministry of Health, regional health authorities, and WHO to align outreach activities with national health priorities and confirm specifications for mobile laboratory equipment. The role involves initiating and following up on the procurement process for the mobile lab and related equipment. Additionally, the specialist will conduct a workshop for health authorities on migrant access to healthcare services, develop SOPs for referral, reporting, and emergency response, and oversee the completion of the mobile laboratory purchase. A significant duty is developing and delivering a comprehensive training program for 50 local operators covering laboratory procedures, biosafety, quality control, psychosocially informed care, and data management.

Work Experience

Requires at least 7 years of experience in public health program implementation, with a preference for experience in mobile health services, infectious disease surveillance, laboratory system strengthening, and humanitarian or migration health contexts. Experience working with health ministries or UN agencies is also preferred.

Skills

Strong analytical and coordination skills; ability to work in challenging environments; commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and data protection; cultural sensitivity; proficiency in English and French (Arabic desirable); knowledge of surveillance systems, early warning mechanisms, field diagnostics, public health training development, WHO outbreak response, IHR (2005) guidelines, and laboratory biosafety.

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