Health Officer - Community-Based Surveillance

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The Health Officer for Community-Based Surveillance will play a crucial role in the ongoing response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This position requires a strong understanding of community engagement and public health programs, particularly in the context of infectious disease outbreaks. The officer will be responsible for implementing community-based surveillance, detecting and reporting alerts, and ensuring effective case and contact follow-up. The role demands adaptability and cultural sensitivity to navigate the complexities of the local health system, which is currently under strain due to various challenges including insecurity, population displacement, and community mistrust. The officer will work closely with community stakeholders and health facilities to enhance the response efforts and ensure the continuity of essential services for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major duties and responsibilities of the Health Officer include:

• Implementation of Community-Based Surveillance to detect and report alerts related to EVD.
• Conducting case and contact follow-up to ensure timely intervention.
• Supervising and supporting community-based personnel involved in surveillance activities.
• Coordinating with health facilities to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Working with Social and Behaviour Change/Risk Communication and Community Engagement (SBC/RCCE) teams to promote health-seeking behaviors.
• Managing and monitoring data related to surveillance activities.
• Reporting on vaccination efforts against EVD and ensuring that vaccination campaigns are effectively executed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field. Additionally, at least two years of relevant professional experience in community-based surveillance or public health programs is required. Candidates should demonstrate a good knowledge of epidemiological surveillance and proficiency in Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) approaches. Strong supervision and training skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with community stakeholders, are essential. Competencies in routine and mass vaccination activities are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of public health issues, particularly in the context of infectious disease outbreaks and community health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in community-based surveillance or public health programs. Experience in outbreak response, particularly in contexts such as Ebola, cholera, or other infectious disease outbreaks, is considered an asset. Relevant experience at the country level, especially in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in French is required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable. Intermediate knowledge of English and national languages, particularly Swahili, is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication with diverse community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of UNICEF's commitment to promoting the rights of every child and ensuring that the workforce reflects the diversity of the children served. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from diverse backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding, and background verification checks. The role may involve additional vetting for child safeguarding purposes, given the elevated risk associated with direct contact with children.