Public Health Officer
Organizational Context
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme aims to minimize the health consequences of emergencies. It focuses on building Member States' capacity for health emergency risk management and coordinating international responses to contain outbreaks and provide relief. The program emphasizes an all-hazards approach, including risk reduction, preparedness, response, and early recovery, with a focus on infectious hazards.
Job Purpose
The Public Health Officer will manage data collection and analysis to strengthen the country's capacity in implementing International Health Regulations (IHR). This involves securing health sector information, analyzing data, and recommending actions. The role includes coordinating teams for public health surveillance systems, designing and reporting on assessments for crisis-affected populations, and conducting technical reviews of program documents. The officer will also produce comprehensive reports on public health facility activities and provide technical guidance for disease outbreak prevention and control during emergencies.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include managing data collection and analysis for strengthening International Health Regulations (IHR) implementation, securing and analyzing health sector information, and recommending actions. The role involves coordinating teams for public health surveillance systems, designing and reporting on assessments for crisis-affected populations, and conducting technical reviews of program plans and reports. Additionally, the officer will produce qualitative and quantitative reports on public health facility activities, manage capacity-building initiatives for health personnel by identifying training needs and developing plans, and deliver training. The role also entails monitoring and coordinating planned activities, national campaigns, and field actions, collaborating with partners to ensure services align with international priorities and IHR, identifying and addressing health issues among affected populations, and providing technical guidance for disease outbreak prevention and control.
Work Experience
Essential: At least two years of relevant experience in public health, with an emphasis on emergency and humanitarian response. Desirable: Field experience in surveillance and/or control of acute public health events, experience in resource-limited countries, and experience with event-based surveillance and risk assessment.
Skills
Knowledge of health sector activities in emergency response; Broad knowledge of emergency programs, policies, and interventions; Proven knowledge of International Health Regulations (IHR); Ability to work under pressure; Knowledge of WHO and UN programs; Excellent presentation skills; Proven capacity-building skills.