Environmental Health Officer

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Position Title: Environmental Health Officer
Location: Port Sudan
Country: Sudan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 collaborates with countries to strengthen their health systems and improve health outcomes, particularly in emergency situations.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Health Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the WHO's health and development strategies in Sudan, particularly in the context of the Emergency Health and Nutrition Project funded by the World Bank. This position focuses on monitoring environmental and social safeguards related to health interventions, ensuring compliance with the Medical Waste Management Plan (MWMP) and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). The officer will be responsible for assessing the environmental impacts of health projects, providing training to local stakeholders, and ensuring that the health services provided are sustainable and do not harm the local environment or communities. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential environmental and social risks associated with health interventions, as well as effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders at different levels of government and community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor compliance with environmental and social safeguards during the construction and operational phases of health projects.
• Assess and record conformity with the Medical Waste Management Plan (MWMP) and ensure proper implementation of mitigation measures.
• Supervise and coordinate with focal points at the governorate, district, and campaign levels to ensure adherence to the MWMP.
• Collect and analyze data on compliance levels, identifying areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective actions.
• Prepare and submit regular monitoring reports to WHO/UNICEF and the World Bank, detailing findings and recommendations.
• Conduct field visits to assess project sites, ensuring proper screening and categorization of sub-projects.
• Engage with local beneficiaries to monitor and mitigate adverse impacts related to land use and income sources.
• Review engineering designs to ensure environmental and social considerations are integrated into construction activities.
• Identify negative impacts from construction and propose appropriate mitigation measures. 1
• Maintain a comprehensive database of all SHARE sub-projects, tracking key details and progress.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Development, Environmental or Biological Sciences, or Engineering.
• Specialized training or certification in Environmental Management is desirable.
• Training in humanitarian response and project management is a plus.
• Demonstrated technical skills and knowledge in Environmental Safeguards, Waste Management, and related areas, particularly in emergency contexts.
• Strong stress management skills and the ability to handle conflicting priorities effectively.
• Familiarity with WHO and UN agency rules and procedures is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Development, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Engineering. Additional specialized training or certifications in environmental management or humanitarian response are highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in environmental health projects, including monitoring, needs assessment, and project management. Experience in emergency management or humanitarian contexts is essential. Familiarity with developing collaborative partnerships and relevant work experience in environmental management, particularly in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and ESMF (Environmental and Social Management Framework) projects, is also desirable.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Arabic is required. Desirable: Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Sudan will be accepted. The annual base salary starts at USD 51,553, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position includes 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to undergo a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. The WHO maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. All candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.