Environmental Health Officer (SSA - NOB)

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Qualifications

Organizational Setting

The Environmental Health Officer works under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the respective environmental health programme or geographical location or in small to medium-sized Country Offices under the Head - Health Promotion. S/he is expected to perform his/her duties and responsibilities with highest degree of efficiency and sound judgment.

The incumbent coordinates activities in the designated areas and may supervise directly a small team of Special Service Agreement holders.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNCTION 1 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS

Manages data collection and analysis, including conducting scientific assessments and developing technical reports, achieving results such as:

·         Data collection from a broad range of sources and development of situational analysis and health risk assessment.

·         Preparation of environmental health reports, including water quality tests, sanitary inspection, hygienic conditions at household level, identification of contamination source, drinking water disinfection.

·         Immediate reporting on any sudden or observed increase in cases of water and sanitation related diseases.

·         Substantive input in the development of plans and strategies for environmental health activities as well as in the formulation of national policy for institutionalising environmental health at national and local level.

FUNCTION 2 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS)

Monitors and coordinates the implementation of planned activities, achieving results such as:

·         Serving as a focal point for WHO environmental health activities in the designated area, working in close collaboration with the country environmental health technical personnel.

·         Ensuring that technical guidelines and minimum standards are available and applied by WASH and health partners and/or adjusting these to specific circumstances within an emergency context.

·         Coordination of action taken among affected provincial health and WASH authorities for preparedness and response towards disasters, both natural and man-made; as Earthquakes, floods, famine, wars and civil strife have created and increasing and large number of refugees and displaced persons.

·         Coordination of activities among the concerned ministries and agencies working in the field of environmental health.

·         Technical advice and guidance in the implementation of a large array of environmental health interventions, such as rehabilitation of water supply and water disinfection, sanitation and hygiene, waste management, including medical waste, human excreta disposal, garbage collection, etc.

·         Participation and advice to MoH and WES in hygiene promotion activities.

·         Maintenance of mutually supportive relationships and networks with MOH and other stakeholders/partners.

·         Periodic progress assessment, mid-term review and final evaluation of projects and programmes.

FUNCTION 3 (INCL. EXPECTED RESULTS)

Manages training activities to strengthen capacities at various levels, achieving results such as:

·         Identification of training needs and development of comprehensive plans for capacity building activities.

·         Preparation of training material tailored to the specific needs.

·         Coordination and monitoring of the dissemination of key technical materials.

·         Organisation and delivery of workshops, in-service training activities or public awareness seminars to various target groups, e.g. train environmental field workers to be assigned to the medical teams or training of personnel involved in implementing environmental health programme and projects.

·         Coordination of the implementation of hygiene education plans in camps, clusters of tents, households and other target groups in the designated area.

·         Assessment of impact of training and capacity building activities.

Work Relations and Partnerships

The Environmental Health Officer is the liaison and focal point for a wide array of different partners both at local and international level. The liaison mainly involves development of plans, coordination of implementation and sharing information and lessons learnt. Furthermore, the incumbent delivers capacity building training activities to various target audiences.

Impact of functions

The functions contribute to ensure that the priority environmental health needs are addressed in an effective and timely way, in particular during emergencies. Furthermore, the functions provide a link between various partners to ensure a coordinated approach as environmental health touches upon a large array of various health and non-health related needs. The overall aim is to save lives and reduce morbidity, by focusing on the provision of safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene and vector control interventions.

Qualifications

Educational background

First level university degree in environmental, civil or sanitary engineering.

Professional experience and knowledge

At least 2 years of experience required in implementation of emergency environmental health programmes.

In-depth knowledge and skills in coordination of public health programmes.

Desirable:

Experience in healthcare waste management and in managing emergency environmental health response during outbreaks

Good knowledge of WHO procedures and policies.

Language Skills

Fluent in English and Arabic

Competencies

·         Communicating in a credible and effective manner: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others; listens actively. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared.

·         Producing results: Produces and delivers quality results. Is action oriented and committed to achieving outcomes.

·         Ensuring effective use of resources: Identifies priorities in accordance with WHO’s strategic directions. Develops and implements action plans, organizes the necessary resources and monitors outcomes.