Public Health Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality, and strives to provide protection and assistance to those in need, while also advocating for durable solutions to displacement.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Associate position is integral to UNHCR's multidisciplinary team, focusing on ensuring that public health programs meet the minimum standards set by UNHCR and global health authorities. The role is crucial in minimizing avoidable morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced and stateless individuals. The incumbent will engage in various public health programs, including primary and secondary health care, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and mental health support. The Public Health Associate will provide guidance and support to partners, contributing to the advancement of UNHCR’s Global Public Health Strategy and the Global Compact on Refugees. This position requires collaboration with national health systems to ensure the inclusion of refugees in health programs, and the incumbent will be supervised by senior public health staff or operations/program staff, ensuring adherence to UNHCR's regulatory framework and core values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Public Health Associate include assisting in the implementation of public health programs in collaboration with partners and health authorities, participating in coordination structures, and responding to emergencies such as refugee influxes and disease outbreaks. The incumbent will gather information for assessments, support program planning and monitoring, and promote intersectoral collaboration to maximize impact. Additional responsibilities include using UNHCR Health Information System tools for data analysis and reporting, strengthening the capacity of partners, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with health standards. For country operations, the role involves enhancing the integrity of health care services, processing medicine and supply orders, and ensuring community engagement in health programming. For regional bureaux, the associate will coordinate public health programs across regions and document best practices for dissemination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in medicine, nursing, or pharmacy, with relevant experience in public health programming and health systems. Essential qualifications include experience in data collection and analysis, as well as familiarity with health information systems. Desirable qualifications include experience in public health emergency preparedness, humanitarian settings, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires strong project monitoring and evaluation skills, as well as knowledge in public health epidemiology and community health.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in medicine, nursing, or public health. Candidates with a high school diploma must have at least three years of relevant experience, while those with a bachelor's degree or higher need two years of relevant work experience. Certifications in epidemiology, nursing, or public health are also essential for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or two years for those with a bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in public health programming, health systems, and data analysis is essential. Desirable experience includes public health emergency preparedness, humanitarian settings, and coordination with stakeholders to achieve public health goals.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not home-based. The target start date for this role is July 1, 2025, and the application deadline is June 30, 202

• The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote. UNHCR encourages qualified female applicants and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test or oral interview.