National Professional Officer (Env. Health %26 Climate Change)
Organizational Context
The WHO Pacific Climate Change and Environment (PCE) unit aims to enhance the capacity of Pacific Member States in climate and environmental health risk assessment and management. It focuses on strengthening health sector leadership for primary prevention interventions against climate change and environmental hazards, promoting multi-sectoral and inter-country cooperation.
Job Purpose
The National Professional Officer (Environmental Health & Climate Change) will support the PCE unit's work plan in Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries. The role involves contributing to the implementation of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems and policies. This includes conducting research, developing guidelines, monitoring programs, and building capacity to address the health impacts of climate change and environmental factors, ultimately enhancing health sector resilience and preparedness.
Responsibilities
Provide input to the Climate Change, Environment, and Health (CCE) work program in Fiji and the Pacific. Assist in implementing climate-resilient health systems and policies. Conduct research on environmental health and climate change impacts on health. Draft and revise CCE-related guidelines and national strategies. Monitor work plans, budgets, and resource mobilization. Analyze data and disseminate best practices. Facilitate capacity-building activities in environmental health and climate-resilient systems. Evaluate climate-sensitive disease surveillance and outbreak response, recommending improvements. Conduct community outreach for awareness and capacity building on CCE. Serve as a technical resource on environmental health and climate change and health. Collaborate with regional bodies and provide technical support for assessing and improving healthcare facility resilience.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of five years of work experience in program or project planning and coordination in environmental health (e.g., water and sanitation, healthcare waste management, vector control) and/or climate change and health in Fiji. Desirable: Field experience and understanding of environmental health and/or climate change and health in Pacific Island Countries beyond Fiji.
Skills
Strong technical expertise in environmental health and/or climate change and health; ability to provide technical advice and guidance; experience in multi-stakeholder development project implementation; capacity building skills (planning, facilitation); excellent communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities; strong analytical skills.