Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. UNRWA offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of public health, humanitarian action, and frontline service delivery. Through a network of more than 130 health centers and a workforce of over 3,000 health staff, UNRWA directly provides primary health care to Palestine refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The position contributes to the use of epidemiology, operational research, and health information to strengthen one of the world's largest humanitarian primary health care programmes and improve the health of one of the world's most vulnerable populations. For public health professionals seeking practical, large-scale global health experience with a direct impact on people's lives, UNRWA offers an exceptionally meaningful and professionally rewarding opportunity. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Public Health Specialist/Epidemiologist reports to the Senior Health Management Information System Officer.
Responsibilities
Provides technical support to the Department of Health and the field offices for development and preparation of the respective health programmes, and is responsible for monitoring and assessment of the implementation of public health activities and the progress of the health programme. Provides technical expertise on operational research study design, data collection, analysis, data interpretation and dissemination of findings. Participates proactively in health emergency situations, outbreaks and other epidemiological investigations using appropriate methods to interpret and analyze health outcomes data. Provides technical support to other cross-cutting topics of the department including nutrition, adolescent health, health communication, and gender, and participates as a member of the Agency's thematic network of specialists on relevant health topics. Serves as the department focal point for results-based management (RBM), annual reporting and emergency management framework. Collaborates in the resource mobilization efforts by proactively seeking funding opportunities and contributing to grant proposal writing. Supports departmental management process including work planning, budgeting and human resources in coordination with the Director and Chiefs.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default
.- Applying Technical Expertise- Analyzing- Learning and Researching- Planning and Organizing- Relating and Networking
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in epidemiology, public health, health sciences or related discipline
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in epidemiology, public health, health sciences or related discipline is required. At least five years of combined national and international experience with a successful track record in epidemiology and research methods, project management and proven field experience in public health emergencies and refugee assistance. Familiarity with the region and work experience in a UN agency would be an asset is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience should be outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. Excellent command of written and spoken English is required Indicate your current involvement in any outside activities, as it is required. Including but not limited to employment, independent contractor/freelance consultant, board member (corporate, academic, etc), expert group, lobby, public speaking/writing (article, book, blog, social media etc), teaching, conferences, training, press statement, voluntary work, political activity, fundraising/donation for non UNRWA entity, running for public office, role in political party or orgs, owning business, work for gov./NGO/private company/charity, UNRWA partner/vendor, full/part-time, paid or not. A "yes" answer doesn't necessarily lead to exclusion from future work at UNRWA, yet misrepresentation in providing accurate/complete info can lead to disqualification/termination of appointment, if hired.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language English Reading Writing Listening UN Level III Assessment UN Level III UN Level III Speaking UN Level III Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.