Assistant Public Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and ensuring the rights of refugees and stateless individuals. The organization aims to safeguard the rights of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence, and works towards finding durable solutions for their plight.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Public Health Officer plays a crucial role in a multidisciplinary team, contributing to the implementation of UNHCR's public health programs that adhere to both UNHCR and global health standards. The primary goal is to minimize avoidable morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced and stateless persons while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The incumbent will provide guidance and support to partners regarding UNHCR's public health responses, advancing the concepts outlined in UNHCR’s Global Public Health Strategy and the Global Compact on Refugees. This position emphasizes the importance of integrating refugees into national health programs and advocating for their inclusion in universal health coverage plans. The Assistant Public Health Officer will typically report to a senior public health staff member or operations/program staff, ensuring that all duties are performed in alignment with UNHCR's regulatory framework and core values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Public Health Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of public health programs in a coordinated manner, collaborating with government entities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian partners. Key duties include participating in emergency responses to refugee influxes and disease outbreaks, gathering information for assessments, and supporting intersectoral collaboration throughout the program cycle. The incumbent will assist in implementing UNHCR Health Information System tools, support capacity strengthening of UNHCR and partners, and ensure compliance with public health administrative instructions. For country operations, responsibilities include emergency preparedness, ensuring the technical integrity of health services, and community engagement in health programming. For regional bureaux, the role involves coordinating public health programs across operations and providing technical support to country operations.

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 quality-assured medicines is also beneficial. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by risk assessments.

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

Experience:
For the P1/NOA level, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate or doctorate degree. Experience in public health programming, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of health systems and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to achieve public health goals.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, while a basic understanding of English is desirable. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Candidates should possess at least a B2 level proficiency in the required languages, ensuring effective communication in the duty station.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, with a regular assignment expected to start on March 1, 202

• The job is based in a location with a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in living conditions. The position is non-family, meaning that the incumbent will not be accompanied by family members. The role may involve working in a high-pressure environment, particularly given the context of ongoing refugee crises and health emergencies. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNHCR's salary scales, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.