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 Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies and outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Officer position is crucial for the effective management and coordination of health interventions aimed at controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases. The officer will work under the supervision of senior public health officials and will be responsible for developing sustainable strategies and policies to enhance health systems. This role involves providing technical advice, coordinating disease control projects, and ensuring the implementation of best practices in health interventions. The officer will also analyze data related to disease outbreaks and health systems, monitor disease burdens, and facilitate community outreach activities to improve public health awareness and response.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work under the direct supervision of the Senior Public Health Officer and/or the head of the WHO country office.
• Facilitate the management and coordination of expertise to provide technical advice on developing national strategies for health systems improvement.
• Recommend plans for disease prevention and control interventions across the life course.
• Coordinate the adoption of norms and guidelines for disease control projects.
• Manage operational aspects of research, surveillance, and health surveys.
• Facilitate project implementation for disease control, including setting priorities and monitoring performance.
• Document and disseminate best practices and partner experiences.
• Analyze data related to communicable and non-communicable diseases and provide recommendations for risk responses.
• Monitor the national burden of diseases through health information systems. 1
• Serve as a communication focal point for the public on communicable diseases. 1
• Ensure procurement of safe and effective medicines and technologies. 1
• Advocate for partnerships to enhance collaboration and mobilize resources for disease prevention and control.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, medicine, or statistics. Desirable qualifications include specialized training in communicable and non-communicable diseases. Candidates should possess strong analytical and organizational skills, as well as the ability to provide clear guidance to stakeholders. Knowledge of WHO policies and health regulations is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Additional training or specialization in communicable and non-communicable diseases is desirable, indicating a commitment to ongoing professional development in public health.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in disease investigation, surveillance, and control. Experience in developing strategies for capacity building and disease prevention programs is essential. Desirable experience includes providing technical services to national health ministries and working with WHO or UN agencies in an international context.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in the local context of Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 70,212 annually, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment, annual leave, and allowances for dependents. 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 has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. All candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before employment.