Full Job Description
E (most
hardship)
Non
Family with Residential Location
Non Family with Residential Location
Residential location (if
applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
NOA
Staff Member / Affiliate
Type
National Professional Officer
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
No
2023-11-02
November 15, 2023
Assistant Public Health OfficerOrganizational
Setting and Work RelationshipsThe Assistant Public Health Officer is a
member of a multidisciplinary team and will ensure that UNHCR's public
health programmes meet minimum UNHCR and global health standards in
order to minimise avoidable morbidity and mortality among populations
of concern (POC) and towards the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).The incumbent provides strong and timely
technical guidance to UNHCR management and partners including on the
design and scope of UNHCR¿s responses in health and nutrition,
catalyses the engagement of other actors, supports resource
mobilisation efforts and monitors the response. S/he has close
contacts with internal and external stakeholders such as government
counterparts, UN Agencies and NGOs.The Assistant Public Health Officer
should also ensure consultation with communities seeking the diverse
views of men, women, girls and boys, adolescents, youth, older
persons, LGBTI persons, persons with disabilities , including people
with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, in assessing needs,
designing, implementing and monitoring responses in line with UNHCR's
policy on age, gender and diversity mainstreaming.Public Health
programmes include primary health care, secondary health care,
community health, reproductive health (including HIV), nutrition,
MHPSS and health information systems. In addition to public health
staff, major operations may also have dedicated staff focusing on any
of these components but public health professionals are expected to be
very conversant with reproductive health programming and ensure that
minimum standards are met. Depending on the size of the operation the
incumbent may have responsibilities for nutrition and MHPSS responses.
In the absence of more senior public health staff, Assistant Public
Health Officer may be required to work with the programme staff (or
other designated staff member) to support operational collaboration
and joint programming with WFP on nutrition and food security. The
Assistant Public Health Officer is normally supervised by a (Senior)
Public Health Officer or by the Head of Office/ Senior Operations/
Assistant Representative (Operations). The incumbent has a functional
line with the Public Health Section in Geneva regarding authoritative
guidance and support in technical matters and is expected to maintain
regular contact with the PHS and the Regional Bureau.All UNHCR staff
members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their
job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in
line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN
Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and
Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability
frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their
responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional,
cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values
of professionalism, integrity and respect for
diversity.DutiesCoordination and Partnership- Assist in the
co-ordination of public health, reproductive health, nutrition and HIV
activities within the Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of the
government¿s responses and in conjunction with other UN agencies,
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other partners, including
development actors to ensure delivery of public health and nutrition
services to beneficiaries (POC and host community) meet UNHCR and
/or nationally recognised and most up-to-date standards and policies.-
With support from the supervisor, support the Operation to define the
level and scope of UNHCR¿s involvement in public health and nutrition
responses in terms of overall and operational objectives during
emergency situations and beyond.- In line with the Global Compact on
Refugees work with governments and humanitarian and development
partners to ensure a complementary approach to meet the health needs
of POCs. - Represent UNHCR in health coordination and other meetings
including inter-sectoral groups such as Technical Working Groups for
MHPSS and nutrition. - Engage in relevant partnership fora, including
in line with UNHCR¿s role as a UNAIDS co-sponsor of the Joint
Programme on AIDS and co-lead with WFP of the Division of Labour area
of HIV in Humanitarian Settings.- Support operational collaboration
with WFP including the implementation of Joint Assessment Missions and
corresponding Joint Plans of Action in line with global commitments on
targeting of assistance to meet basic needs and data sharing to
support assistance distribution (in collaboration with programme and
protection colleagues),- Support emergency responses to new refugee
influxes or outbreaks or other situations in line with the Public
Health Emergency Toolkit and UNHCR's Emergency Handbook and the SPHERE
Handbook.Strategic planning and development- Contribute to the
implementation of UNHCR's Strategic Plan for Public Health and
adaptation at country level.- Work with others in UNHCR to advocate
for refugees, returnees and other POC's access to local public health,
reproductive health (RH) and HIV, MHPSS and nutrition services
(including food assistance where relevant) and lobby for inclusion of
refugees, returnees and other POC as a specific group in government
policies and plans related to health, RH and HIV as well as major
donor programmes such as the Global Fund for HIV, TB and Malaria.-
Contribute to public health strategies addressing known gaps in health
and nutrition programming based on country-specific needs assessments
with due consideration to neonatal and maternal health care, TB and
viral hepatitis, palliative care, health services for LGBTI
individuals, health and protection services for persons selling sex
and programming for persons with disabilities including access to
assistive technologies and appropriate associated services.- Support
the monitoring of country specific medium to long term inclusion plans
in support of the Ministry of Health and other relevant Ministries
(e.g. Social Welfare) and in partnership with development and other
actors. - Work with stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs,
Ministries of Health and academic institutions in the development of
public health response plans associated with refugee movements
(including in repatriation programmes).- Maintain and update
contingency plans within the AOR for potential epidemics, refugee and
returnee movements.Technical integrity and risk mitigation- Update and
disseminate standard practices on public health, MHPSS, nutrition, HIV
and reproductive health among partners.- Support the prioritization of
primary health care (including preventive, promotive, curative,
rehabilitative and palliative care) - Monitor, in close co-ordination
with other humanitarian actors, that health care services provided to
POC are based on Ministry of Health, UNHCR and/or internationally
recognized and most up-to-date standards and policies.- Support the
adaptation of UNHCR internal operating procedures to ensure they are
in line with UNHCR and/or international standards and improve
efficiency of programme activities; this includes - but is not limited
to - referral health care, medicines and medical supplies procurement
and management, medical resettlement and resettlement of persons with
health needs, cash-based assistance for health care coverage and
referral between units and inter-sectoral collaboration.- Monitor and
support compliance with, and integrity of, all public health standard
operating procedures in conjunction with Project Control and Programme
staff and in line with delegated authorities, including flagging to
senior managers when these are not in line with global guidance or not
being followed.¿Collaboration- Support linkages of public health to
WASH programmes throughout all stages of the programme cycle including
in outbreak preparedness and response, emergency responses to refugee
influxes, WASH in health facilities, and menstrual hygiene
management.- Support inter-sector collaboration throughout all stages
of programme cycle between public health and nutrition with WASH,
education, environment, shelter, and protection in order to promote
synergies and maximise impact.- Assist with the review and analysis of
relevant project proposals and budgetary submissions presented by
UNHCR partners within the context of the UNHCR programming cycle.-
Seek the diverse views of men, women, girls and boys, adolescents,
youth, older persons, persons with disabilities and LGBTI in assessing
needs, designing, implementing and monitoring responses in line with
UNHCR¿s policy on age, gender and diversity mainstreaming.- Contribute
to the implementation of the UNHCR Health Information System and other
relevant data collection tools including the balanced scorecard,
maternal and neonatal death audits, Health Access and Utilisation
Survey and other corporate tools where relevant; support the analysis,
interpretation and use of public health data.- Advocate for the
inclusion of refugees and other POC in national surveys such as
demographic and health surveys, multi-indicator cluster surveys, AIDS
indicator surveys including where possible a separate sample for
refugees allowing for comparisons and trend analysis over time.-
Support national health systems to disaggregate data by refugee and
nationals in key areas based on country specific needs in line with
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. - Assist in the
monitoring of public health and nutrition programmes against standard
UNHCR and international indicators, to ensure that programmes are
evidence-based and implemented in a comprehensive and cost-effective
manner.- Support the planning, implementation, analysis, dissemination
and use of nutritional surveys (Standardized Expanded Nutrition
Surveys, SENS), health-related surveys and post-distribution
monitoring exercises (in collaboration with WFP).- In line with
policies for Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) ensure POC
have access to feedback and accountability mechanisms relating to
public health and nutrition services including the collection and
analysis of data on their satisfaction with regards to public health
and nutrition services.- Draft regular sectoral reports and submit
material for preparation of periodic project monitoring reports as
required by the office at country level.- Provide timely updates to
enable adequate reporting and briefings to donors and
management.Capacity Building- Support capacity strengthening of UNHCR
and its implementing partners to address public health, nutrition,
reproductive health, HIV, MHPSS programming in a co-ordinated,
multi-sectoral way and disseminate relevant guidelines and information
materials.- Undertake and/or support capacity building needs
assessments of UNHCR staff and partners and develop approaches to
address capacity gaps including identifying internal and external
training opportunities.- Perform other related duties as
required.Minimum QualificationsEducation & Professional Work
ExperienceYears of Experience / Degree LevelFor P1/NOA - 1 year
relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with
Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degreeField(s) of
Education Medicine, Medical Science, Medical Doctor, Nursing,
Public Healthor other relevant field.(Field(s) of Education marked
with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not
specified(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are
essential) Relevant Job ExperienceEssential- Knowledge of public
health, reproductive health and nutrition- Good communicator with
strong interpersonal and negotiations skills.Desirable- Additional
qualifications in Nutrition and WASH and a thorough understanding of
the linkages with public health and Food security.- Ability to
coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a
common objective in the area of Public Health.Functional Skills
EL-Monitoring and EvaluationPH- Public Health
EpidemiologyMD-Reproductive HealthPH-Community Health-Health Data
Collection/Analysis/InterpretationUN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global
Strategic Priorities(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are
essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and
Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of
the duty station if not English.For National Professional jobs:
Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if
not English and local language.For General Service jobs: Knowledge of
English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not
English.All UNHCR workforce members must individually and
collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each
person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This
includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and
abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender
inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.As individuals and as
managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to
inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and
speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR
resources when these issues arise.This is a Standard Job Description
for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The
Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable
qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any
such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job
Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and
selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The Candidate should be able to advocate for
inclusion of refugees in government health and nutrition plans and
policies. He/she have a good understanding of humanitarian-development
nexus in the refugee context.
,
,
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health
Considerations: To view occupational health and
safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position:
The Assistant Public Health Officer (PHO), in Sub-Office
Kakuma, will contribute to providing health services and ensuring
coordinated implementation of Health, Nutrition and HIV activities
with the participation of beneficiaries and improving access to the
public health care system for sustainability. The Asst PHO will ensure
that health, HIV/AIDS and nutrition/food security interventions meet
the minimum UNHCR and international standards, by closely working with
the Ministry of Health and implementing partners. S/He supports and
provides guidance to the network of Kakuma health focal points and
officers and provides a forum for initiatives and innovations in
providing health services in the complex security situation. The Asst
PHO plays a crucial role in inter-sectoral, planning, and monitoring
including data analysis and evaluation, capacity-building of partners,
and advocacy, information and communication on public health-related
issues with the County Governments including UNHCR engagement on the
design, implementation and coordination of the Health component of the
Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Plan (KISEDP). S/he
ensures that there are no gaps or overlaps in implementation. The Asst
PHO will also play the lead role in both technical and coordination
roles to work with the county government Ministry of Health and
partners in the event of any activities related to outbreak control.
The Asst PHO will be facilitating the roll-out of the National Health
Insurance Fund (NHIF) in the refugee context of Turkana West by
closely working with the NHIF, MoH and UNHCR Public Health Team.
Living and Working Conditions:
The current
Security Level in the SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma,
Lodwar) is Moderate -3. All United Nations personnel must comply with
UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to
Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN
personnel. Kakuma city is a non-family duty station with a hardship
classified E, its living conditions are difficult, but the social
climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry, and sunny hence no heavy
clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the
months of December and more pronounced in January till March. UNHCR
national staff can arrange their own accommodation or chose to reside
in UNHCR Kakuma compound. Family members cannot reside or visit in the
compound. The compound was constructed in 2001, houses were renovated
several times and are in generally acceptable conditions. All houses
have basic amenities and internet is available. UNHCR compound also
includes a cafeteria, a gym, and a secure running path. There is an
airstrip in Kakuma with regular humanitarian flights to Nairobi by
UNHAS. The nearest public airport is in Lodwar.
The medical
facilities in Kakuma are limited. JMS clinic is available in the UNHCR
compound as well as several public hospitals in Kakuma town and Kakuma
camp. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards
should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and
Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available
in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription
drugs.
Kakuma camp is close to UNHCR compound, Kalobeyei
settlement is half an hour drive away. There are no security
restrictions on working in the camps. County authorities are located
in Lodwar, some 2.5 hours away. The closest border crossing is
Nadapal. Police escort is required for UNHCR missions to Lodwar and
Nadapal. 2.5 hours away. The closest border crossing is Nadapal.
Police escort is required for UNHCR missions to Lodwar and Nadapal.
2.5 hours away. The closest border crossing is Nadapal. Police escort
is required for UNHCR missions to Lodwar and Nadapal.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EL-Monitoring and Evaluation, MD-Reproductive Health, PH-Community
Health-Health Data Collection/Analysis/Interpretation, PH- Public
Health Epidemiology, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic
Priorities
Bachelor of
Arts (BA): Medical Doctor, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Medical Science,
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Medicine, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Nursing,
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Health
Certifications
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical
thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous
learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement &
decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning
& organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork &
collaboration
Compendium Additional Information
This
position requires Functional Clearance