Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a prominent global humanitarian organization established to support and coordinate the efforts of 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. With a workforce of over 14 million community-based volunteers and more than 160,000 local branches, the IFRC operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing essential services aimed at saving lives and promoting health and well-being. The organization is committed to upholding the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which include humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The IFRC Secretariat plays a crucial role in global coordination, resource mobilization, and capacity strengthening, making it the largest humanitarian network in the world. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. In the Americas, the IFRC supports 34 National Societies through its Regional Office in Panama and various Country Delegations, focusing on health and well-being programming, epidemic preparedness, and response to emergencies and disasters.

Job Overview:
The Health Officer position is designed to provide technical assistance and implement health programs across National Societies in the Americas region. The role involves supporting the Strategic Lead for Health and Wellbeing in delivering health interventions that address epidemic preparedness, climate change health adaptation, and basic health resilience. The Health Officer will work closely with country-level health staff to ensure that health interventions align with IFRC standards and utilize an integrated public health approach. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including National Societies, to enhance health service provision during emergencies and in development projects. The Health Officer will also be responsible for designing training materials and facilitating training sessions to build capacity within National Societies, ensuring that health initiatives are effective and sustainable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including monitoring epidemiological trends and advising on health emergency interventions, contributing to risk assessments, and supporting the development of early action protocols related to health. The role also involves assisting National Societies in implementing community health programs, developing key health messages, and promoting health resilience initiatives. The Health Officer will provide technical support and training to National Societies, contribute to health-related project proposals, and ensure compliance with health policies and standards. Additionally, the position requires maintaining effective professional relationships with various stakeholders and contributing to knowledge management within the Health Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a medical degree or a professional nursing degree, along with a specialization or postgraduate diploma in Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, or a related field. A Master's degree in Public Health or a related field is preferred. The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in Public Health or Emergency Health, with at least two years of experience in health interventions utilizing a Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) approach. Experience in the humanitarian or development sector, monitoring and evaluation of health projects, and curriculum development for training is essential. Strong report writing and presentation skills, as well as experience in stakeholder coordination, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a medical degree or professional nursing degree, which is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have a specialization or postgraduate diploma in Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, or a related field. A Master's degree in Public Health or a related field is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in public health issues.

Experience:
The Health Officer position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of five years in Public Health or Emergency Health. Candidates should have at least two years of experience working on health interventions that incorporate a Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) approach. Experience in the humanitarian or development sector is crucial, as is familiarity with monitoring and evaluating health projects and programs. The role also demands experience in designing training materials and facilitating training sessions, as well as demonstrated experience in report writing and stakeholder coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the region. A strong working knowledge of English is also required, enabling the Health Officer to engage with international stakeholders and resources. Preferred language skills may include additional languages relevant to the region or the organization's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is hosted by the Colombia Country Office, with a regional scope under the supervision of the Strategic Lead for Health and Wellbeing in the Americas Region. The role may involve travel within the region, and candidates should be prepared for short-notice travel to support field operations or training initiatives. The IFRC offers a collaborative working environment that values diversity, integrity, professionalism, and accountability, and encourages continuous learning and development among its staff.