Health Programme Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Papua New Guinea is addressing significant public health challenges, including a high burden of communicable diseases, low immunization coverage, and the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. The role supports sub-national health systems, particularly in rural and remote areas, to improve primary healthcare and maternal and child health service delivery.
Job Purpose
The Health Programme Officer will provide crucial technical assistance, operational coordination, and field-level support to Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) in Papua New Guinea. The primary objective is to strengthen primary healthcare services, focusing on two key pillars: enhancing immunization coverage and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, and improving integrated primary healthcare delivery. This role will work closely with national and provincial health departments, and other partners to ensure effective health interventions reach underserved populations in rural and remote settings, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and a more resilient health system.
Responsibilities
Support PHAs to improve vaccination coverage, surveillance, and response by analyzing data, identifying priority areas, and implementing corrective actions. Apply national and WHO standards for microplanning, surveillance, cold chain management, and supervision. Facilitate regular meetings with stakeholders to resolve implementation bottlenecks affecting service delivery and reporting. Mobilize technical support and build capacity of PHA officers through coaching and supportive supervision. Track progress on agreed improvements and escalate unresolved constraints. Support PHAs in analyzing service availability and utilization data to identify gaps and plan integrated essential primary healthcare services. Promote consistent application of national and WHO guidelines for coordinated service delivery across maternal and child health, nutrition, TB, HIV, malaria, and NTDs. Facilitate joint planning and problem-solving among various health programs, districts, facilities, communities, and partners to achieve agreed results. Monitor service improvements and document effective local solutions for sharing lessons learned.
Work Experience
Essential: Either a recently completed bachelor's degree (within 3 years) with demonstrated leadership in health activities, or at least three years of relevant public health or development program implementation experience, preferably at the provincial level. Must demonstrate ability to work with health facilities/partners and familiarity with data tools. Desirable: Internships or volunteer experience with health organizations for recent graduates.
Skills
Strong organizational, coordination, and time management skills. Ability to monitor progress and follow up on multiple actions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Good written and verbal communication. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Data and technical literacy (MS Office proficiency). Motivation for health system improvement. Willingness to be mentored. Familiarity with PNG health system structures and tools is desirable.