Community Health Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF, established in 1946, is a leading UN agency dedicated to children's rights and well-being, operating in over 192 countries across health, education, child protection, and more. In Cameroon since 1975, UNICEF focuses on improving policies and services for vulnerable children and women. The Child Protection Program aims to shield children from violence and exploitation, strengthening government and community systems. The health section supports primary healthcare and community health strategies, addressing challenges in data management, funding, and institutionalization, while prioritizing Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH).

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF Cameroon's efforts to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) and community health platforms, focusing on integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) interventions, particularly for the first 1,000 days. The specialist will contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of community health strategies, aiming to improve healthcare access and quality for vulnerable populations. Key objectives include enhancing the digitalization of the community health information system, supporting the development of the national community health plan, and building the capacity of community health workers. The role also involves monitoring MNCH interventions, improving referral systems, and fostering collaboration among government, UN agencies, NGOs, and community partners to achieve better health outcomes for children and women in Cameroon.

Responsibilities

The Community Health Specialist will provide technical and programmatic support for Primary Health Care and MNCH interventions. This includes strengthening the digitalization of the community health information system, contributing to the National Community Health Strategic Plan (2026-2030), and building the capacity of community health workers in digital reporting and data use. The role involves supporting community-based interventions, collaborating with social and behavior change initiatives, and focusing on the first 1,000 days within Child Friendly Municipalities. For MNCH, responsibilities include monitoring high-impact interventions, supporting quality-of-care initiatives, and contributing to effective referral systems. The specialist will also participate in monitoring and evaluation, data collection and analysis, and documenting best practices. Coordination with government, UN agencies, NGOs, and community partners for multi-sectoral programming is crucial, including organizing and documenting coordination meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of professional experience is required. Experience in child health programs, particularly those focused on the first 1,000 days, is a strong asset. Knowledge of the Cameroonian health system context is desirable. Experience working with UNICEF is also considered an asset. Key competencies include program planning, monitoring, reporting, community engagement, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Skills

Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, effective communication, and flexibility. A genuine commitment to voluntary engagement principles, solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance is essential. The role requires technical capabilities relevant to UNICEF procedures, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially. Expertise in health, development programs, economics, and finance is beneficial.

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