Public Health Associate

Volunteering Medical & Health

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The ‘Public Health Associate is expected to provide development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on the job training when working with (including supervising) national staff or non-governmental counterparts, including implementing partners. • Reports and inputs as stated above are submitted regularly and on-time. • Other tasks assigned are completed in a timely and accurate way. Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities.

The ‘Public Health Associate is expected to provide development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on the job training when working with (including supervising) national staff or non-governmental counterparts, including implementing partners. • Reports and inputs as stated above are submitted regularly and on-time. • Other tasks assigned are completed in a timely and accurate way. Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed. The Public Health Associate is expected to effectively coordinate the Sudan crisis response including basic and lifesaving services to the persons we serve in ‘Wedweil settlement and Northern Bahr El Ghazal state. The incumbent is expected to ensure effective interagency coordination mechanisms along with ministry health structure, sister UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations. The Public Health Associate safeguards public health, referral support, MHPSS, clinical aspects of SGBV programming, Nutrition and Wash activities at the Wedweil settlements and various entry points.

This NUNV assignment is part of UNHCR project/flagship programming initiative in Aweil. Under the EU INTPA Regional Program funding, the incumbent contributes towards SDG 3 of Good Health and Well Being, through public health system strengthening and transformation. To achieve project objective including a robust response to the Sudan crisis, the incumbent is closely working with the diverse UNHCR South Sudan team including protection, program, other relevant units and external partners to ensure effective cluster coordination, standardization, timely need assessment, the ongoing use of UNHCR information database, implementing innovative measures, indicator monitoring, reporting, providing weekly operational updates and related to address health, nutrition and Wash needs of people we serve in UNHCR Aweil operation.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Head of UNHCR Aweil Field unit and under indirect technical supervision from the UNHCR Public Health officer at the Representation Office in Juba, South Sudan, the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Programme planning, monitoring and evaluation together with UNHCR partners to effectively address issues of public health importance, based on the principles of public health and Primary Health care in the refugee camps and transit centers as well as in the areas of return for returnees.

Activities include supporting partners and the refugee community to:

• Ensure the public health services provided by partner to refugees and returnees are complying with the required national and international standards.

• Guide and support partners to use the UNHCR Health Information System and collect UNHCR statistics verifying Core Standards and Indicators; review monthly health data; and compile technical periodic reports as well as the Annual report on the health situation.

• Ensure implementation of appropriate country protocols and guidance and adherence to UNHCR specific guidance for public health programming.

• Support partners in the implementation of the public health programs including reproductive health, HIV and mental health.

• Provide guidance and follow up to partners in the implementation of UNHCR action plans including for malaria and HIV/AIDS.

• Provide technical contributions during planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation process in the UNHCR program cycle.

• Ensure timely coordination and implementation of UNHCR led programs.

2. Coordination of services between UNHCR partners, National and international NGOs, other UN agencies, and Ministry of Health, and other sectors; ensuring early engagement of development agencies as appropriate.

• Capacity building of partners and refugee health officials as appropriate in identified areas of weakness; facilitation of partners’ access to training activities conducted by other agencies, with a particular focus on health information and disease surveillance; malaria management; safe motherhood; integrated management of childhood Illness.

• Participate in advocacy, information sharing and communication on the health situation of populations of concern, within UNHCR and among partners, donors, other agencies, and the Government.

• Acts as focal point for UNHCR for any health and medical matters in relation with the UNHCR strategy.

• Participate actively in appropriate groups on the health, population, HIV/AIDS, and other cross cutting working groups and or forums related to health and medical issues, with the aim to anchor refugees and returnees’ health concerns and needs into the ONE UN health program.

• Coordinate and lead monthly health coordination meetings with implementing partners, in close coordination with the Programme section.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).

• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.

• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).

• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.

• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.

• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working.

relevant program; working experience in the UN or other international development organization is an asset. Professional work experience at the national and/or international level. • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge: A solid knowledge and use of computer software amplifications including UNHCR refugee irHIS, Kobo collect, SENS, Wash KAP and related skills are desirable. Knowledge of MS offices; use of Ms-word, excel, Power point, and public health related data management skills are mandatory.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

• 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.

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete).

• Sound security awareness.

• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian work and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The incumbent’s duty station, Aweil is a city located in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, East Aweil County in South Sudan. The weather condition varies between 17-33°C, Wind NW at 10 km/h, 12% Humidity. Aweil is classified as a non-family duty station with the hardship category “E”, mainly due to its remoteness and low level of basic facilities. The security level is categorized as level-4 with the situation calm and stable. All security briefings are provided in Juba by the Senior Field Safety Officer upon arrival. Security clearance is required for all travel between Aweil, entry points and Juba. However, the political environment in South Sudan is unpredictable, thus requires strong security awareness when in the field. There is no reliable commercial flight operating between Aweil and the capital, Juba. Travel between Juba and Aweil is facilitated by UNHAS flight. There is also road transport to dispatch logistics where the road is bumpy. Security clearance is mandatory, via UNDSS web. There is level 1 UN clinic in UNMISS compound and Aweil County hospital for emergency consultation.

As Aweil is designated R&R Duty Station, IUNV is entitled to go for R&R every 6 weeks (42 days) stay in the duty station. Accommodation is provided for all international staff in the UNHCR guest house. Visitors, too, can be accommodated if room is available. Staff and visitors are expected to remain in the premises of the guest house after 2100hrs. South Sudan is a unique country and Aweil is a unique (humanitarian) operation with increased refugee and returnees’ influx from Sudan. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable.

There are several refugees returns reception centers and entry points for UNHCR operational areas under UNHCR Field unit Aweil. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

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Added 9 hours ago - Updated 22 minutes ago - Source: unv.org