National Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights of migrants are respected and protected. IOM's activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) focus on stabilization, reconstruction, and restoring state authority, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the country. The organization is involved in the resettlement of displaced persons and participates in coordinated humanitarian responses, providing services in emergency or post-crisis situations to meet the needs of migrants and contribute to their protection.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Officer will play a crucial role in achieving the objectives set forth in various health-related tasks within the Ituri province of the DRC. This position involves working closely with local health authorities to organize community awareness sessions led by community relays on selected health themes. The officer will coordinate the development of tailored awareness messages that resonate with the local context, cultures, and languages of the targeted communities. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for training youth groups to facilitate community dialogue spaces, thereby enhancing community engagement and participation in health initiatives. The role also includes providing technical support for the rehabilitation of health centers and ensuring compliance with health ministry standards. The officer will conduct training sessions on priority health topics, including sexual and reproductive health, and will lead assessments of health facilities to identify equipment and supply needs. The overarching goal is to transition from humanitarian assistance to stabilization and development projects, ultimately improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities while fostering social cohesion and economic recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organize community awareness sessions in coordination with local health authorities, led by community relays on selected health themes.
• Coordinate with local health authorities to develop context-appropriate awareness messages and organize their dissemination through various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) platforms such as community radio broadcasts and roundtable discussions.
• Train youth groups to facilitate community dialogue spaces in collaboration with MHPSS and protection colleagues.
• Provide technical support for the rehabilitation of health centers and other health structures, ensuring communication and collaboration with provincial health authorities and adherence to health ministry standards.
• Organize training sessions on awareness techniques, priority health themes, and community-based event surveillance (SEBC) methodologies.
• Conduct training on sexual and reproductive health, disease prevention, and malnutrition, with a focus on obstetric fistula prevention and management.
• Lead technical training for staff at three general hospitals on the medical management of obstetric fistulas in collaboration with provincial referral services.
• Conduct initial assessments of health centers and general hospitals in the Angumu, Mahagi, and Rimba health zones to identify equipment and supply needs for adequate medical care.
• Strictly adhere to the principle of 'Do No Harm' throughout the project implementation process. 1
• Perform any other related tasks as requested by the hierarchy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (BAC+5) in Medicine with at least two years of relevant experience. A Master's degree in Public Health or Community Health is preferred. Registration with the medical board of the DRC is required. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have professional experience in the health sector in the DRC, preferably with experience in zonal health structures, and at least three years in public or community health. Proven experience in implementing community-based projects, organizing training for health professionals, and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is essential. Familiarity with the intervention areas and local dynamics is an added advantage.

Educational Background:
A university degree (BAC+5) in Medicine is required, along with a Master's degree in Public Health or Community Health. Candidates must be registered with the medical board of the DRC. The educational institutions must be accredited and recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in the health sector, particularly in the DRC. Experience in community health projects, training health professionals, and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health is essential. A proven track record in implementing community-based initiatives and familiarity with local health dynamics is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in French and English (both oral and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the DRC is an advantage, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the confirmation of funding. This selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in different locations. National professional staff must be nationals of the country where they are employed and meet the same qualifications and performance standards as international professional staff. Appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residence, visa, and, if applicable, government authorizations. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding any behavior incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on sex, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.