Medical and Public Health Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNDP North Pacific Office supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing development challenges and climate shocks, aiming to achieve Agenda 2030 and the SAMOA Pathway. The office focuses on resilience, governance, and inclusive growth, with emerging areas like youth empowerment and digital transformation. This project specifically addresses the critical need to improve primary healthcare access for all citizens in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), particularly in remote outer islands, aligning with the national priority of "Universal Health Coverage for All."

Job Purpose

This role supports the strengthening of public health services and systems in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), focusing on improving healthcare delivery, enhancing disease surveillance, and bolstering preparedness for public health events. The specialist will provide direct healthcare services, support Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities, and engage in field epidemiology, including outbreak response and the implementation of WHO's Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS). The position also involves contributing to data analysis, report preparation, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and conducting capacity-building initiatives for local staff and students, ultimately aiming to improve equitable access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, the Medical and Public Health Specialist will provide healthcare services to island populations and local colleges. Key duties include training local staff and students in healthcare and traditional medicine, contributing to all phases of public health event management (prevention, preparedness, detection, response, recovery), and supporting Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) components. The role involves verifying and assessing risks of public health emergencies, participating in field epidemiology activities for outbreak response, and utilizing technology for data gathering and analysis. Additionally, the specialist will assist in developing communication products like situation reports and bulletins, contribute to the creation of SOPs and guidelines, and support capacity-building for colleagues, including backstopping and replacement duties as needed.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of clinical practice experience is required, with a proven track record in epidemiology, public health surveillance, outbreak control, information management, and quantitative methods. The ideal candidate is a medical physician with combined clinical and public health experience, capable of responding effectively to public health emergencies. Experience in designing and implementing databases, managing information flows, conducting quantitative research, and responding to humanitarian crises is beneficial. Experience in teaching or academic instruction within medical or public health institutions is also valued.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, communication, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and technological awareness. Specific expertise areas include community development, general and specialized medicine, and safety and security. The role requires strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.

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