Public Health Officer

Here’s a detailed job description for a Public Health Officer at the Ministry of Health, Ethiopia, based on the information provided, expanded with typical responsibilities and qualifications for such a role.

JOB TITLE: Public Health Officer

ORGANIZATION: Ministry of Health, Ethiopia

LOCATION: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

REPORTS TO: Director of Public Health Programs (or relevant department head)

JOB TYPE: Full-time

JOB SUMMARY:

The Public Health Officer will be a key member of the Ministry of Health team, responsible for supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of public health programs at the national level. This role involves a blend of technical expertise, program coordination, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to contribute to the improvement of public health outcomes across Ethiopia. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments within the Ministry, regional health bureaus, and external partners to ensure the effective delivery of essential public health services and interventions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Planning and Development:

  • Contribute to the development, review, and revision of national public health policies, strategies, guidelines, and work plans in alignment with national health priorities and international best practices.
  • Participate in needs assessments and situation analyses to identify public health challenges and inform program design.
  • Support the formulation of evidence-based interventions for disease prevention and control, health promotion, and public health emergency preparedness and response.

• Program Implementation and Coordination:

  • Provide technical support and guidance to regional health bureaus and implementing partners on the execution of national public health programs.
  • Facilitate coordination meetings and workshops with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, UN agencies, and community-based organizations.
  • Assist in the allocation and monitoring of resources for public health initiatives.
  • Contribute to the development of training materials and deliver capacity-building sessions for health workers and other program implementers.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

  • Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for public health programs.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret public health data to track program progress, identify trends, and inform decision-making.
  • Prepare comprehensive analytical reports, briefs, and presentations on program performance, challenges, and recommendations.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participate in program reviews and evaluations to assess effectiveness and impact.

• Data Management and Research:

  • Oversee the collection, quality assurance, and management of public health data from various sources.
  • Utilize epidemiological principles and statistical software for data analysis and interpretation.
  • Contribute to operational research initiatives to generate evidence for program improvement and policy formulation.

• Advocacy and Communication:

  • Support the development and dissemination of public health communication materials and campaigns to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors.
  • Represent the Ministry of Health in relevant forums, technical working groups, and conferences as required.
  • Advocate for increased investment and prioritization of public health issues.

• Emergency Preparedness and Response:

  • Contribute to the Ministry’s efforts in public health emergency preparedness, surveillance, and response activities.
  • Participate in rapid assessments during outbreaks or public health crises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education:

  • Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), Epidemiology, Global Health, or a related field from a recognized university.
  • A first degree in Medicine (MD), Nursing, Environmental Health, or a related health science field is highly desirable.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of [e.g., 3-5] years of progressive experience in public health program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably at a national level.
  • Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation, and report writing.
  • Experience working within the Ethiopian health system or with the Ministry of Health is a significant advantage.
  • Experience in a specific public health area (e.g., communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, health promotion) is a plus.

• Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong understanding of public health principles, policies, and practices.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and data visualization tools.
  • Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic are essential. Knowledge of other local languages is an asset.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
  • Willingness to travel periodically within Ethiopia as required.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), and copies of their academic credentials to [Insert Application Submission Method – e.g., “the Human Resources Department, Ministry of Health, via email at [email protected]” or “through the online application portal [link]”]. Please indicate “Public Health Officer Application” in the subject line of your email.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: [Insert Date]

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Ministry of Health is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or disability.