Volontaire en Surveillance Active

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 and is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. WHO works with 194 member states, through six regional offices and over 150 country offices, to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage and coordinates the world’s response to health emergencies. WHO aims to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being. The organization is committed to using science-based policies and programs to achieve its ambitious Triple Billion targets, which outline a plan for global health improvement.

Job Overview:
The position of Volunteer in Active Surveillance is aimed at strengthening active surveillance at the Obock Health Center and in the locality of Obock, Djibouti. The volunteer will work closely with health structures, local authorities, and humanitarian partners, adhering strictly to humanitarian principles and confidentiality. The role involves identifying and documenting suspected cases of diseases among refugees, particularly in light of the challenging conditions faced by Yemeni refugees in the region. The volunteer will be responsible for coordinating a team of volunteers on the ground, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance health outcomes in the community. This position is crucial for the timely detection of health threats and the implementation of appropriate responses to protect the health of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake several key responsibilities, including: A. Active Case Finding at the Obock Health Center: Conduct daily reviews of hospital records to identify suspected cases among refugee patients, support verification of suspected cases with clinical staff, document suspected cases in a case list, and ensure immediate notification to the WHO country office. B. Active Case Finding in the Obock Locality: Make regular visits to health posts, private clinics, and community health workers to identify unreported suspected cases among refugees, assist community health workers in recognizing and reporting suspected cases, and maintain a register of active community case findings. C. Cholera Screening Strategy: Ensure the implementation of the screening strategy for suspected cases, send positive samples for laboratory confirmation, and maintain a list of cholera cases while ensuring daily data transmission. D. Team Supervision: Supervise two volunteers in Obock, coordinate daily activities, and consolidate data. Organize weekly coordination meetings with the volunteers and serve as the main focal point for the WHO country office's emergency/surveillance officer in Obock. E. Case List Management and Reporting: Maintain and update the list of suspected and confirmed cases, support the production of daily and weekly reports, ensure data quality and completeness, and report even in the absence of cases (zero reporting) to the WHO country office. F. Support Outbreak Investigation: Assist the rapid response team in investigating cases and contact tracing, and support the documentation of investigation findings. G. Protection and Conduct: Apply safeguarding principles, child protection, PSEA, 'do no harm', non-discrimination, and confidentiality. H. Other Tasks: Perform any other reasonable tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and independently. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a challenging environment, along with a commitment to humanitarian principles. Experience in health-related fields, particularly in surveillance or community health, is highly desirable. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A background in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have relevant training or certifications that align with the responsibilities of the position, particularly in health surveillance or community health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in health-related roles, particularly in surveillance, community health, or humanitarian settings. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees, is an asset. Familiarity with health data collection and reporting processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as the position requires communication with local authorities and health partners. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for organizing their accommodation and daily expenses. The position is based in Obock, Djibouti, and volunteers are encouraged to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adapt to local customs and practices. The contract duration is specified for the indicated period, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, renewal of the assignment is not anticipated. The monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) is provided to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. Health, life, and permanent disability insurance are included, along with final repatriation (if applicable). Volunteers may also receive a monthly hardship differential in locations classified as D or E by the International Committee for determining restricted areas.