Public Health Officer

Job Title: Public Health Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: WHO

Assignment country: Guinea-Bissau

Expected start date: 01/12/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Expected end date: 01/12/2024

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Bissau

Details

Mission and objectives

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Established in July 1946, WHO’s primary objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO’s functioning is guided by its Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13), 2019-2023 which focuses on the achievement of measurable impacts on people’s health at the country level. At the global level, the GPW13 aims at contributing to the triple billion targets as follows: 1) One billion more people are benefiting from universal health coverage, 2) One billion more people are better protected from health emergencies, 3) One billion more people are enjoying better health and well-being. In Guinea-Bissau, the WHO works to support the Government to contribute to the achievement of all the 3 billion targets as articulated in GPW13 in two ways: 1) The WHO leverages its leadership on global health to cooperate with the Government on health. This implies providing strategic direction to the Ministry of Public Health and, 2) providing support on policy advice and health systems strengthening.

Context

As a low-lying coastal, West African country, Guinea-Bissau is one of the least developed countries in the world and ranks among the lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI):177 out 189 countries (BTI 2020). The country borders Senegal in the North, and Guinea-Conakry in the Southeast and has an estimated population of 1,584,791. Portuguese is the official language and Creole is the national language. The latter is widely used as a medium of communication: In terms of Immigration and health formalities, Citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not need an entry visa. All other nationalities must obtain an entry visa before traveling. WHO country office in Guine Bissau is implementing the Programme Budget 2022-23 contributing to the vision that promotes "the universality of access to services at all levels of health, by promoting solidarity of all by guaranteeing the right to health and contributing to the financing of health care and ensure of equity in the distribution of resources and the utilization of services, the safeguarding of human dignity and the preservation of the physical and moral integrity of users and providers ". Following recent elections WHO is expected during the upcoming biennium 24-25 to support implementation of the new National Health Development Plan aiming at accelerate the attainment of universal health care coverage leaving no one behind in Guinee -Bissau.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Health Planning Advisor/UHC Life course Team lead the UNV will contribute to the attainment of SDG 3, Good health and Well-being in particular associated to Pilar1: Universal Health Coverage and Pilar 3: Healthier populations. 1. Support planning and implementation of interventions for non Non-communicable diseases, Neglected tropical Diseases and Mental Health . 2. Support generation of strategic information to address priorities under Healthier populations Pilar including fostering intersectoral collaboration addressing risk factors and behaviour change 3. Support capacity building initiatives in collaboration with national institutions including research initiatives 4. Generate and document best practices on key health interventions for advocacy and support resource mobilization efforts 5. Organise activities and provide support to strengthen capacity of project implementation partners—government counterparts and CSOs, target groups both at the national and regional levels and organize trainings, workshops to facilitate delivery of workplan activities 6. Ensure completion of technical reports, annual reports in line with PB Workplan in a timely manner. The UNV Specialist is also expected to contribute to delivery of UNDSCF 2022-26 Outcome on Human capital development through the Strategic objectives relevant to Health and its social determinants..

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Additional eligibility criteria

This assignment is funded by the Government of the Republic of Ireland and therefore specific criteria apply: - Only the following are eligible to apply: Irish citizens or a European Economic Area nationals with an unrestricted right to reside in Ireland or have a declaration of refugee status from the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Donor priorities

-

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Professional work experience at the national and/or international level At least three years of relevant experience in public health governance, and/or in with strong knowledge of health systems strengthening. Prior experience in a conflict or post-conflict context would be an asset. Experience in or exposure to providing policy advice and technical assistance on institutional strengthening and development. Experience in or exposure to engaging in results-oriented in-country capacity development, including training-related activities. Experience in supporting government institutions and CSOs in conflict and post-conflict situations is desirable. Professional results-based management skills, preferably with monitoring and evaluation experience. Desirable: Accuracy and professionalism in public health programs implementation; Experience with WHO or other UN organizations would be an asset. Excellent excel and power point skills, good management, communications and interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Area(s) of expertise

Health

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable Spanish, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Public health governance and/or in with strong knowledge of health systems strengthening. First level university degree in Medicine and or a Master / Diploma in Public Health.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The living conditions in Guinea-Bissau are generally low to moderate. Decent housing is hard-to-find and even if available, it is mostly unfurnished. Most houses that are available were constructed during the Portuguese colonial times and are either dilapidated or minimally refurbished. In terms of public transport, the use of shared taxis is the commonest means of transportation: taxis cost about 150 CFA (app USD 0.50 cents) for travel within the city center. However, the price varies depending on the distance traveled. Taxis are mostly shared with other passengers going in the same direction. Traveling from the airport to the city center and vice versa costs around 2000 CFA (app USD 4): the African Financial Community (CFA), popularly known as the West African CFA franc is the predominant currency in Guinea-Bissau. Another means of transport is “toca-toca” (minibus): the latter is cheaper however it is not recommended for safety reasons. In terms of restaurants, there is only a handful of them within the city center, and for grocery shopping, there are a few decent supermarkets. During your assignment in Guinea-Bissau, expect some power cuts which do happen occasionally. Also, take note that there may be water shortages on certain occasions. The medical services on the other hand are poor and unreliable however you can expect to have access to the UN Health Clinic and Dispensary at the UN House as a UN staff.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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