Community Health Officer

Program Brief

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solution driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

Since 2017, IRC has supported Rohingya Refugees and Bangladeshi nationalities communities in Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Barisal, and Chittagong with integrated services. The organization also addresses climate change impacts by building resilience and promoting economic recovery, education, and protection.

Purpose of the Role

The Community Health Officer is responsible for conducting and facilitating community-level health education, mobilization, identity verification support, and follow-up activities related to pre-departure medical screenings under the DHC framework. This includes ensuring visa holder awareness, consent collection, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate coordination of health services in collaboration with the clinical and administrative DHC team.

Work Location: IRC – Bangladesh, Teknaf and Ukhiya Office - Roving

Line Manager: Senior Health Manager

Highlights of Key Responsibilities

Health Facilitation & Support:

• Assist in pre-screening and intake for visa holders during the DHC, including identity verification and document handling in line with Home Affairs and eMedical protocols.
• Support clinical staff in the collection of medical history, vaccination data, and follow-up on known conditions from prior IMEs (Immigration Medical Examinations).
• Help facilitate referrals for high-risk cases requiring additional medical evaluation, mental health support, or medical escort planning.

Community Engagement & Education:

• Conduct culturally sensitive health education and information sessions, particularly on immunization, communicable diseases (e.g., TB, malaria), maternal health, and mental health.
• Inform visa holders about available health services, travel fitness guidelines, and post-arrival care pathways in Australia.
• Promote awareness of hygiene practices, nutrition, and the importance of follow-up care after arrival.

Coordination & Documentation:

• Assist with client consent and declaration processes as required by the DHC procedure.
• Document and report on community interactions, defaulter tracing (e.g., ANC/PNC, immunizations), and health promotion activities.
• Maintain records of pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and individuals with known chronic illnesses needing travel planning considerations.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track key indicators of community mobilization, education session attendance, and medical referrals.
• Compile weekly and monthly reports on outreach activities and health education performance.

Deliverables

• Supervise community volunteers and traditional birth attendants during planned community activities
• Take the lead in training the training of community volunteers
• Report any insecurity incidence timely to security focal person