Public Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems globally.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Officer position is critical in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. The incumbent will provide technical leadership and operational support to WHO’s health emergency response, focusing on reducing morbidity and mortality among crisis-affected populations, including internally displaced persons and returnees. The role involves leading WHO's actions in emergency preparedness and response, providing technical guidance to health authorities and partners, and ensuring the continuity of essential health services in crisis-affected areas. The officer will also contribute to the prevention and response to epidemic-prone diseases and promote the use of reliable data to guide decision-making throughout the emergency response cycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Health Officer will be responsible for assessing public health risks and the functionality of health services in crisis-affected areas. Key duties include supporting national and provincial health authorities in planning and implementing public health response activities, analyzing public health risks and advising on priority interventions, monitoring access to essential health services, and supporting the implementation of evidence-based public health interventions. The officer will compile and analyze data from various sources to inform operational decision-making, support coordination meetings, and ensure compliance with humanitarian standards. Additional responsibilities include providing technical inputs to reports and documentation, ensuring an integrated response across WHO technical pillars and humanitarian sectors, and performing any other duties assigned by the functional supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health or health-related fields from an accredited institution. A doctorate degree in medicine or postgraduate studies in emergency response or disaster management is desirable. Candidates should also have a diploma in tropical medicine or disaster management. Essential qualifications include at least seven years of relevant experience in public health emergencies response or health sector coordination, with a focus on managing outbreaks and health emergencies. Experience in capacity building and developing collaborative partnerships is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in public health or related fields. A doctorate degree in medicine is desirable, along with postgraduate studies or specialized training in emergency response or disaster management. A diploma in tropical medicine or disaster management is also beneficial for candidates.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of relevant experience at both national and international levels in public health emergencies response or health sector coordination. Candidates should have experience managing outbreaks and health emergencies, as well as experience in capacity building and collaborative partnerships. Desirable experience includes working with WHO, UN agencies, health cluster partners, and recognized humanitarian organizations, along with project management and resource mobilization in emergency settings.

Languages:
Essential languages for this position include expert-level proficiency in French and intermediate-level proficiency in English. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with national authorities, partners, and communities in the context of public health emergencies.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve changes in duty station and adjustments in duties based on operational needs. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration. The successful candidate will need to provide evidence of vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking the assignment.