Medical and Public Health Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNDP North Pacific Office supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in achieving Agenda 2030 and the SAMOA Pathway, addressing development challenges like vulnerability to shocks and inequality. Operating from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the office focuses on resilience, governance, and inclusive growth. Emerging areas include youth empowerment, gender equality, and digital transformation. This project specifically aims to improve primary healthcare access in remote FSM outer islands, aligning with the national 'Universal Health Coverage for All' vision and the Framework for Sustainable Health Development.

Job Purpose

This role supports the strengthening of public health services and systems across the FSM, focusing on improving healthcare delivery, enhancing disease surveillance, and contributing to preparedness and response 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 WHO Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS). Key contributions include data analysis, report preparation, developing SOPs and guidelines, and capacity building for local staff and students. The assignment aims to close the service delivery gap between main and remote islands, ensuring 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 strengthen public health services and systems, including healthcare delivery, surveillance, and preparedness for public health events. Key duties involve providing healthcare services to island populations and local colleges, and training local staff and students in healthcare and traditional medicine. The role includes contributing to all aspects of public health event management, from prevention to recovery, and supporting Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) components. This involves verifying, assessing risks, monitoring, and sharing information on potential public health emergencies. The specialist will participate in field epidemiology activities, including rapid deployment for outbreak response and technical assistance, utilizing modern technologies and implementing EWARS where necessary. Tasks also include data entry, validation, analysis for reports, and developing communication products like situation reports and bulletins. The role supports the development and implementation of SOPs, guidelines, and tools, and facilitates capacity building for colleagues, with potential for backstopping and replacement duties.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of three years of clinical practice experience with a proven track record in epidemiology, public health surveillance, outbreak control, information management, and quantitative methods. Experience as a medical physician with combined clinical and public health expertise is essential. The candidate should be knowledgeable and capable of responding effectively to public health emergencies, with experience in designing and implementing databases, managing information flows, and conducting quantitative research. Experience in humanitarian crises, teaching/training in medical or public health institutions, and working with UN organizations is considered an asset.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, communication, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, decision-making, knowledge sharing, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and technological awareness. Expertise areas include community development, health, and security/protection. Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required, with the ability to multitask, produce accurate results under pressure, and synthesize complex information clearly.

Explore related opportunities