Assistant Public Health Officer

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 operates 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 it strives to promote solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Public Health Officer plays a crucial role within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to the implementation of UNHCR's public health programs. These programs are designed to meet minimum health standards and reduce morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced and stateless individuals. The incumbent will be responsible for providing guidance and support to partners, ensuring that public health responses align with UNHCR’s Global Public Health Strategy and the Global Compact on Refugees. The role involves advancing the inclusion of refugees in national health programs and advocating for their access to universal health coverage. The Assistant Public Health Officer will work under the supervision of senior public health staff or operations/programmes staff, ensuring compliance with UNHCR's regulatory framework and core values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Assistant Public Health Officer include supporting the implementation of public health programs in collaboration with government entities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners. The incumbent will participate in emergency responses, gather information for assessments, and support intersectoral collaboration throughout the program cycle. Responsibilities also include assisting with the implementation of health information systems, strengthening the capacity of UNHCR and partners, and managing risks related to public health objectives. The role requires monitoring compliance with UNHCR's public health administrative instructions and ensuring community engagement in health programming. For positions in country operations, the officer will support emergency preparedness and response planning, ensure the technical integrity of health services, and facilitate community participation. For regional positions, the officer will coordinate public health programs across regional bureaux and country operations, providing technical advice and support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant qualifications, including experience in public health programming and an understanding of health systems. Essential skills include data collection and analysis, with the ability to draft clear documentation. Desirable qualifications include experience in public health emergency preparedness, humanitarian settings, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with health information systems and the provision of quality-assured medicines is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in fields such as Medicine, Medical Science, Nursing, Public Health, or Epidemiology. Candidates with a graduate or doctorate degree may also be considered, particularly if they have relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. Those with a graduate degree may be considered with no prior experience, while candidates with a doctorate degree are also eligible without experience. Experience in public health programming, emergency preparedness, and coordination in humanitarian settings is highly valued.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in 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. A minimum overall ability of B2 level in the required languages is expected.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position with a focus on public health in a challenging operational context in Sudan, particularly in Kassala and Gedaref States. The role involves working in a high-risk environment characterized by ongoing health infrastructure challenges and resource constraints. The position is expected to start on January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is November 16, 202

• The incumbent will be part of a non-family residential location, and the position may involve hardship pay due to the operational context.