Public Health Officer

Organizational Context

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR ensures that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or resettle in a third country.

Job Purpose

The Public Health Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation and monitoring of public health programs within UNHCR operations. This includes contributing to the development of strategies and interventions aimed at improving the health status of refugees and other persons of concern. The role involves collaborating with national health authorities, UN agencies, and implementing partners to ensure access to essential health services, including primary healthcare, reproductive health, and disease prevention and control. The officer will also play a role in health assessments, data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform public health planning and response. Emphasis will be placed on addressing the specific health challenges faced by displaced populations, ensuring equitable access to care, and promoting a health-promoting environment.

Responsibilities

The Public Health Officer will be instrumental in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of public health activities for refugees and other persons of concern. This includes contributing to the development and execution of health strategies, policies, and guidelines in line with UNHCR's mandate and international standards. The role involves coordinating with national health ministries, UN agencies (such as WHO and UNICEF), NGOs, and other partners to ensure comprehensive health service delivery, covering primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychosocial support, and communicable disease prevention and control. The officer will conduct health needs assessments, analyze health data, and prepare regular reports to track progress, identify gaps, and inform programmatic adjustments. They will also support outbreak investigation and response, promote health education and awareness campaigns, and advocate for the health needs of vulnerable populations. Ensuring access to essential medicines and medical supplies, and overseeing the quality of health services provided by partners will also be key responsibilities. The officer will contribute to capacity building of national health systems and UNHCR staff on public health issues relevant to refugees.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in public health, preferably in humanitarian or development settings. Experience in refugee health or working with displaced populations is desirable.

Skills

Public Health Program Management Health Needs Assessment Data Analysis and Reporting Coordination with Health Authorities Disease Prevention and Control Primary Healthcare Sexual and Reproductive Health Health Education Outbreak Investigation Humanitarian Response Advocacy Capacity Building

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