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. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. WHO's work is guided by the General Programme of Work (GPW) and the European Programme of Work (EPW), focusing on health equity and universal health coverage.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Officer position is crucial for supporting the implementation of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) and related activities. The officer will engage in various tasks aimed at enhancing health systems and improving public health outcomes. This role involves collaborating with national stakeholders to develop and evaluate health policies and strategies that promote universal health coverage and improve health system performance. The officer will also provide technical assistance on priority public health issues, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, health governance, and emergency preparedness. The position requires active participation in WHO-related country-level activities, ensuring that WHO's knowledge and standards effectively contribute to national health priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Health Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Supporting the implementation of WHO activities by assisting health sectors in developing, implementing, and evaluating national health policies and strategies.
• Collaborating with national, sub-national, and sub-regional stakeholders to enhance health governance.
• Providing technical assistance on priority public health issues, including health system strengthening, disease burden management, and addressing health determinants.
• Assisting in the application of tools and guidelines for health information improvement and data analysis.
• Preparing high-quality briefings, reports, and situation analyses.
• Supporting the Head of WHO Country Office in managerial, programmatic, and administrative activities.
• Promoting partnerships with health stakeholders and ensuring the timely implementation of donor-financed initiatives.
• Collaborating with institutions and NGOs for information exchange and coordinated activities.
• Assisting in mission preparations and providing necessary background analysis and policy briefs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the bachelor's level in medicine, public health, social and political sciences, economics, or a related field. A master's degree or postgraduate training in these areas is desirable, along with project management certification. Essential skills include analytical abilities, technical guidance in health policy, and proficiency in standard computer applications. Emotional intelligence and the ability to manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically are also crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as medicine, public health, social sciences, or economics. A master's degree or equivalent postgraduate training is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex public health issues. Project management certification is also desirable, indicating proficiency in managing health-related projects effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of national professional experience in project management within the fields of public health, health systems, social and/or health policy, or international development. Relevant work experience with WHO, the UN, or other international organizations in the public health sector is considered an asset. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage projects effectively and engage with various stakeholders in the health sector.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Czech is essential for this position. Proficiency in these languages is necessary to communicate effectively with stakeholders and partners at various levels. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of the Czech Republic will be accepted. The remuneration for this position includes an annual base salary starting at CZK 1,660,948, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and integrity in its workforce.