Junior Programme Officer (Public Health)

UNICEF Ethiopia is implementing a 5-year country programme 2020-2025 which is fully aligned with the UNSDCF. UNICEF will work collaboratively within the UNSDCF on a joint strategy to strengthen national systems for data collection, analysis, monitoring and applying adjustments to promote equity. Evidence will be used to monitor the situation of children, tracking progress towards equity and scale, and to inform advocacy to adjust policies, strategies and budgets. Monitoring and corrective actions will be undertaken through UNICEF staff, partners and third-party monitoring, and through mechanisms for community feedback and accountability to affected populations.

Ethiopia faces numerous challenges in its healthcare sector, significantly impacting the health and well-being of its population. Despite progress in recent years, the country continues to struggle with high maternal and child mortality rates, widespread communicable diseases, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Access to primary healthcare services remains limited, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where the majority of the population reside. Given the current health situation, it is imperative to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of primary healthcare delivery in Ethiopia. Primary healthcare serves as the foundation of the healthcare system, offering essential services that can prevent, diagnose, and treat common illnesses and conditions. Improving primary healthcare delivery will address several critical issues. The Programme Officer (Public Health) will support the Chief of Health in developing, implementing, and monitoring health programs and initiatives. This role involves conducting research, analyzing data, and providing expert advice to improve health outcomes. The Programme Officer (Public Health) will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of health services.

The assignment will entail conducting regular field mission travel in different regions and districts in Ethiopia, to be familiarized with the situation on the ground.

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Health, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to Program Design and planning: Assist in the design and implementation of health programs and policies. This includes identifying key health issues, developing strategic plans, and ensuring that programs are aligned with organizational goals and community needs.

• Contribute and support Data Analysis and monitoring trends of health intervention, including interpretation of health data to identify trends and areas for improvement, especially in relation to public health emergencies, primary health care, zero dose communities.

• Support health section’s efforts in strengthening implementation

• Research and learning agenda: support health managers and project officers to strengthen linkages with research institutions and academic institutions in conducting research on health issues of interest, and documenting best practices to inform program development.

• Support the section with stakeholder engagement and collaboration for effective partnership and resource mobilization: Work with Chief of Health to assist in the mapping of key donors, both existing and new, and assist the section Chief in preparing key documents for resource mobilization.

• Contribute to strengthening the knowledge management of health section: Assist the section Chief in reviewing the existing knowledge products for the health section, and make recommendations for improvement, especially for the key project which have large funding supported by various donors.