Public Health Specialist
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948, is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, ensuring global safety, and serving vulnerable populations. WHO leads efforts in universal health coverage, coordinates responses to health emergencies, and advocates for healthier lives across all age groups. Its strategy, outlined in the Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13), focuses on achieving measurable health impacts through three key targets by 2023.
Job Purpose
The Public Health Specialist will work within the WHO technical unit in Jordan, under the direct supervision of the Public Health Officer and overall guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office. This role involves supporting the integration of climate-resilient practices into health systems, contributing to national health policies, and developing health promotion materials. The specialist will play a key role in assessments, training, and planning related to climate change and health, ensuring effective implementation of work plans and reporting on progress. The position requires independent execution of routine tasks with some discretion in non-routine office procedures.
Responsibilities
The Public Health Specialist will support the integration of climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) into health facility assessments and Water Safety Plans. Responsibilities include contributing to assessments and training on sustainable health care facilities, and assisting in the development of national climate change and health policy briefs. The role involves supporting the review and implementation of the health-sector National Adaptation Plan, and drafting adaptation action plans. Additionally, the specialist will develop and adapt health promotion materials on the climate-health nexus, support national heat-health action plans, and engage with youth networks and community organizations. The position also requires developing and delivering training, supporting work plan activities (planning, budgeting, monitoring), preparing progress reports, and managing communication content.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of professional experience in public health, health promotion, environmental health, or climate change is required, with at least one year focused on program implementation with government, UN, or non-governmental partners. Experience in developing and implementing health promotion or community engagement interventions in Jordan is essential. Familiarity with climate change and health concepts, organizing multi-stakeholder consultations, and producing technical reports is also necessary. Experience with the Jordanian health system and WHO or the UN system is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include strong communication, self-management, adaptability, results-orientation, and teamwork. Technical expertise in public health, immunization, and natural resources management is required. The role demands excellent oral and written communication skills in Arabic and English, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work inclusively with diverse partners. Proficiency in MS Office and a commitment to volunteerism values are also important.