National Professional Officer (environmental Health %26 Climate Change)

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Solomon Islands supports the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in strengthening national public health capacity, particularly in Environment, Climate Change, and Health (CCH). This role focuses on technical and managerial expertise to implement CCH policies and programs, coordinating with national and international partners.

Job Purpose

The National Professional Officer (Environmental Health & Climate Change) will provide crucial technical and managerial expertise to develop, strengthen, and implement policies and programs aimed at enhancing the Solomon Islands' public health capacity in Environment, Climate Change, and Health (CCH). This role is pivotal in supporting the implementation of identified activities, fostering stakeholder engagement, and ensuring close monitoring of project timelines. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support, the WHO Solomon Islands country team, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and other key partners to mobilize beneficiaries and guide project activities. By utilizing established WHO frameworks and policies, the role contributes to building resilience in health systems against climate change impacts and improving overall public health outcomes in the country.

Responsibilities

Coordinate day-to-day operational aspects of the GEF project on Building Resilience of Health Systems in Pacific Islands Least Developed Countries to Climate Change in Solomon Islands, ensuring smooth implementation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). Support national project activities, analyze best practices, and report findings. Provide technical assistance in monitoring work plans and budgets, ensuring efficient resource utilization and timely implementation of activities at all levels. Facilitate communication among WHO project management, MHMS, and other stakeholders through regular meetings and reporting. Maintain partnerships and networks to foster multidisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration for disease prevention and control. Collect data on partner activities and collaborate with international and national partners to enhance surveillance and evaluation of diseases and their risk factors. Assist MHMS and partners in developing and evaluating policies, strategies, and action plans, including policy review, awareness campaigns, and training. Utilize cultural understanding for effective community outreach and health network extension. Contribute to drafting progress reports, highlighting challenges and proposing solutions. Conduct research on CCH to support national plan development and assist in reviewing technical studies through field visits and consultations. Contribute to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies. Perform other assigned duties.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 2 years of experience in program or project planning/management, with significant experience in environmental health and/or climate change. Desirable: Experience working with governmental and partner organizations, report writing, and familiarity with GEF-funded projects.

Skills

Project planning and implementation, timeline monitoring, risk management, field experience in Solomon Islands, understanding of sustainable livelihoods, public health/environmental health/climate change assessments, health information/surveillance systems, data platforms, training facilitation, strong organizational skills, results management, teamwork, communication, adaptability.

Explore related opportunities