Public Health Specialist

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Position Title: Public Health Specialist
Location: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Deadline Date: 17-Nov-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. Established in 1973, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 1,500 personnel. The organization focuses on project management, infrastructure, and procurement services, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. UNOPS aims to support the implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development efforts by providing effective and efficient project management services.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Specialist position is a critical role within the UNOPS Sri Lanka Country Office, primarily focused on enhancing health services and programs in the region. The specialist will work closely with the Director and collaborate with technical experts to build strategic relationships with government counterparts in the health sector at both federal and provincial levels. The role involves leading technical support for health engagements, developing new project proposals, and managing the knowledge base related to health initiatives. The specialist will also represent UNOPS in various health-related meetings and work with the communication department to elevate UNOPS's profile in the health sector, engaging with donors, government agencies, and other health partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Health Specialist will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Building and maintaining strategic relationships with government counterparts in the health sector at both federal and provincial levels.
• Leading and providing technical support for acquiring and developing new health engagements in the Sri Lanka Country Office.
• Offering technical input for the development of new project and program proposals in the health sector.
• Providing ongoing technical support during the implementation of health projects and programs.
• Leading the development and management of the knowledge base accumulated in the health sector within the Sri Lanka Country Office.
• Representing UNOPS in relevant health-related meetings, workshops, panels, and symposia, including engagements with donors such as the Global Fund and CCM.
• Collaborating with the communication department to enhance UNOPS's visibility and reputation in the health sector among stakeholders and the public.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Health, Epidemiology, Social Science, or a related field relevant to the duties outlined. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressive and relevant experience in health services, health program development, or program implementation. A strong understanding of public health departments, health systems, and health systems management is essential, and previous experience working with international donors is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in Health, Epidemiology, Social Science, or other related fields. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree, they must also have two additional years of relevant experience to qualify for the position. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and program development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive and relevant experience in health services, health program development, or program implementation. Candidates should have a solid understanding of public health departments and health systems management. Experience working with international donors is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate the complexities of health funding and partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNOPS and with international stakeholders. Additionally, a working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable, as it can facilitate better communication with local partners and stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local ICA Specialist with a contract level of LICA Specialist-1

• The contract duration is ongoing, and the application period is from November 4, 2024, to November 17, 202
• Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date. The role is full-time and is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.