Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for children's rights and ensuring their well-being. Operating in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF's mission is to promote and protect the rights of every child, ensuring they have access to essential services such as health care, education, and protection from harm. The organization is committed to fostering a culture that supports staff development and offers a comprehensive benefits package. In the Philippines, UNICEF has been active since 1948, working closely with the government to implement policies and programs that benefit children, particularly in underserved areas. UNICEF's work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to ensure that no child suffers from hunger and that all children have access to quality health services and education by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Health Officer position at UNICEF involves providing professional technical, operational, and administrative support throughout the programming process for the Health Programme within the Country Programme. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities from development planning to the delivery of results. The Health Officer will work under the supervision of the Health and Nutrition Specialist and will be instrumental in preparing, executing, managing, and implementing various technical and administrative tasks. The position requires a proactive approach to facilitate program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that the health needs of children and communities are met effectively. The Health Officer will also engage in networking and partnership building to enhance program impact and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and planning of health programs to ensure alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives and the needs of the communities served.
• Manage and monitor program implementation, ensuring that results are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Provide technical and operational support to facilitate the successful execution of health programs, including capacity building for local partners.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program reach and effectiveness.
• Engage in innovation and knowledge management to improve program delivery and outcomes.
• Conduct regular evaluations and assessments to monitor program progress and impact, making necessary adjustments to strategies as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as public health, nutrition, medicine, or health policy. A minimum of two years of professional experience in public health, particularly in areas related to adolescent health, maternal and neonatal care, or health emergency preparedness, is required. Experience in a developing country context is considered an asset, as is relevant experience within a UN system agency. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of health program development and implementation, particularly in emergency settings.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, medicine, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Health Officer has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to UNICEF's health programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in public health, with a focus on adolescent health and development, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency preparedness. Experience working in a developing country is highly valued, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced in these contexts. Additionally, relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, particularly in health program/project development and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both verbal and written) and Filipino is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also possess good written and spoken skills in the language of the humanitarian operation. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse UNICEF workforce.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Manila, Philippines. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Medical clearance is required for appointments, and candidates may need to meet specific inoculation requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.