Public Health Officer/Epidemiologist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, ensuring that everyone can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinates responses to health emergencies, and promotes healthier lives across all stages of life. The organization operates in multiple countries worldwide, focusing on various health issues and emergencies, and employs thousands of staff dedicated to improving health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Officer/Epidemiologist will play a crucial role in providing field-level epidemiological, operational, and coordination support for Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) readiness and response, as well as other priority public health emergencies. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating WHO-supported operations across the hub catchment area, consolidating county needs, deploying technical and logistics support, and maintaining effective communication between counties, states, and the national Incident Management System. The role is vital in addressing the overlapping public health and humanitarian emergencies faced by South Sudan, including the risk of BVD, cholera, measles, and other health crises. The officer will ensure rapid detection and response to health alerts, strengthen county readiness, and support the continuity of essential health services during emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Incident management and operational coordination: Support the activation and functioning of the county or hub Incident Management System, maintain updated operational plans, coordinate meetings, and ensure technical activities are implemented through a coordinated plan. Identify and address operational bottlenecks and participate in inter-agency coordination meetings.
• Surveillance, epidemiology, and alert management: Strengthen various surveillance systems for BVD and other diseases, monitor alerts, lead field investigations, and produce epidemiological analyses.
• BVD-specific readiness and response: Validate county readiness for alert management and coordinate investigations of suspected cases.
• Response to other ongoing and emerging emergencies: Apply incident management to other health emergencies and monitor essential services.
• Hub leadership responsibilities: Provide leadership for the WHO operational hub, prepare weekly plans, and oversee logistics and staff movements.
• Information management, reporting, and accountability: Ensure timely reporting and maintain dashboards for monitoring response indicators.
• Capacity building and partner support: Mentor county personnel and organize training.
• Administrative, financial, and logistics responsibilities: Prepare activity plans and budgets, track implementation, and confirm receipt of supplies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong competencies in field epidemiology and surveillance, planning and organizing, analytical thinking, and quality assurance. They should demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making under pressure, as well as effective communication and teamwork skills. Respect for individual and cultural differences is essential, along with the ability to build partnerships across the organization and beyond.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in epidemiology or public health are preferred, as they provide a deeper understanding of health systems and emergency response mechanisms.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in public health, particularly in epidemiology and emergency response. Experience working in humanitarian settings or with international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with health systems in low-resource settings, particularly in conflict-affected areas, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan would be beneficial and is considered a plus, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to changing environments and priorities. The position is full-time and may involve travel to various locations within South Sudan to support health operations.