Health Officer

Job Description

UNICEF is hiring a Health Officer to focus on strengthening sub-national coordination structures and health facilities, particularly Regional Referral and District Hospitals, to enhance case management and essential service delivery at both facility and community levels.

Assignment Details

• Country: Uganda
• Expected Start Date: 17 March 2025
• Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
• Volunteer Category: National UN Volunteer Expert
• Host Entity: UNICEF
• Type: Onsite
• Duration: 6 months
• Number of Assignments: 1
• Duty Station: Kampala

Mission and Objectives

UNICEF, mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, advocates for children’s rights, ensuring their well-being and development opportunities.

Context

This UNV assignment supports UNICEF’s Public Health Emergency initiative in response to the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak declared by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on 30 January 2025. The outbreak’s index case, a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, sought treatment at multiple facilities before confirmation.

UNICEF plays a key role in the response alongside the Uganda Ministry of Health, WHO, CDC, and other stakeholders. This role will provide public health technical support and coordination at the sub-national level, particularly at health facilities managing Ebola cases.

Key Responsibilities

The Health Officer will:

• Coordinate UNICEF’s response to the EVD outbreak in Uganda.
• Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health at both national and sub-national levels.
• Represent UNICEF in coordination meetings and report to the Chief of Child Survival and Development.
• Assist in the development and implementation of response and work plans.
• Facilitate supply distribution, reporting, and end-user monitoring.
• Support community training sessions and community dialogues funded by UNICEF.
• Conduct field visits to health facilities and communities for needs assessments.
• Participate in UNICEF’s TeT Task Force meetings.
• Submit weekly and monthly field reports detailing progress and challenges.
• Provide project activity summary reports with key achievements and recommendations.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by UNICEF.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: 18 – 80
• Nationality: Must be a national or legal resident of Uganda

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in public health emergency preparedness and response or relevant programs at national/international level.
• Ebola response experience is an asset.
• Education:
  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, or a related field.
  • A first-level degree with relevant training and experience may be considered.
• Languages: Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Skills:
  • Excellent report writing, documentation, and analytical skills.
  • High level of accuracy and professionalism in document production.

Core Competencies and Values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgment and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Areas of Expertise

• Crisis and Emergency Response
• Public Health

Additional Information

Living Conditions

Uganda is a peaceful country, though security consciousness is advised. Volunteers will be based in UNICEF field offices and will need to arrange their own accommodation.

Inclusivity Statement

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme is an equal opportunity initiative, welcoming applications from all qualified professionals. UNV is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring no discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, disability, or other status.

Reasonable Accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodations for volunteers with disabilities, including accessible software, travel assistance, and personal attendants. Applicants are encouraged to disclose any accommodation needs during the recruitment process.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

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