Public Health Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 7,000 personnel, including project managers, engineers, and other specialists. UNOPS focuses on infrastructure, procurement, and project management, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget while adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Programme Assistant position is designed to support the implementation of public health programs in collaboration with partners and health authorities. The role emphasizes a multi-sectoral and coordinated approach to public health programming, particularly focusing on enhancing the inclusion and access of refugees to national health systems. The assistant will engage in various coordination and collaboration structures, participate in emergency responses to refugee influxes and disease outbreaks, and support the gathering of information for assessments and needs identification. This position requires close collaboration with program units to ensure effective planning and monitoring of public health initiatives, fostering intersectoral collaboration throughout all stages of the program cycle. The assistant will also utilize the UNHCR Health Information System tools to analyze and report on public health data, contributing to the capacity strengthening of partners to maintain the technical integrity of public health programs. Additionally, the role involves identifying and managing risks while seeking opportunities that impact the objectives of the program area, ensuring that decision-making is risk-based and aligned with organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Health Programme Assistant include:

• Assisting in the implementation of public health programs in collaboration with partners and health authorities.
• Supporting efforts to enhance the inclusion and access of refugees to national health systems.
• Participating in relevant coordination and collaboration structures as requested.
• Engaging in emergency responses to new refugee influxes and disease outbreaks.
• Supporting the gathering of information for relevant assessments and identification of needs.
• Collaborating closely with program and other units in program planning and monitoring.
• Promoting intersectoral collaboration throughout all stages of the program cycle to maximize impact.
• Assisting in the use of UNHCR Health Information System tools for data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Supporting capacity strengthening of partners to ensure the technical integrity of public health programs. 1
• Identifying and managing risks while seeking opportunities that impact objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Raising risks, issues, and concerns to supervisors or relevant functional colleagues. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Public Health Programme Assistant position include a strong understanding of public health principles and practices, particularly in the context of refugee health. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting is essential, along with the ability to work in a multi-sectoral environment. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusion and access to health services for vulnerable populations, particularly refugees. Additionally, candidates should have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Public Health Programme Assistant position are typically expected to have a degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in public health or project management may be advantageous. Educational qualifications should reflect a solid foundation in health systems, epidemiology, and program management, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge to support public health initiatives effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in public health programming, particularly in contexts involving refugees or vulnerable populations. A minimum of two years of experience in public health, program management, or related fields is preferred. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government health authorities is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful collaboration in multi-sectoral environments and the ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for the Public Health Programme Assistant position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken by refugee populations in the region, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms, facilitating collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for the role is October 1, 2025, and the deadline for applications is set for October 21, 202

• The position is not remote and requires on-site engagement in Lilongwe, Malawi. Candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging environment, addressing the complexities of public health in the context of refugee populations.