Health Program Officer

Job Summary:

The Health Program Officer will be responsible for the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of health services across multiple refugee camps under a donor-funded program. The role involves ensuring the effective delivery of comprehensive primary healthcare, disease prevention, maternal and child health, nutrition, mental health, and outbreak response services in alignment with national policies and international humanitarian health standards. The Health Program Officer will work closely with health facility staff, UNHCR, government health authorities, and implementing partners to enhance access to quality healthcare for refugee populations while ensuring compliance with donor and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation and Oversight:

• Oversee the planning and execution of health interventions in refugee camps, ensuring services are responsive to the health needs of displaced populations.
• Support the provision of essential health services, including primary healthcare, maternal and reproductive health, immunization, communicable disease control, mental health, and nutrition.
• Ensure that health services are accessible to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Monitor the health facility service delivery, including patient consultations, disease surveillance, and emergency response preparedness.
• Conduct field visits to assess health service delivery and provide technical support to health staff in health centers, mobile clinics, and community health programs.
• Identify gaps in healthcare service provision and recommend programmatic improvements to enhance service coverage and quality.

Compliance, Monitoring, and Reporting:

• Ensure that all health interventions comply with UNHCR, WHO, national health policies, and donor regulations.
• Monitor health indicators, track progress, and evaluate the impact of health interventions in refugee camps.
• Strengthen health information systems (HIS) to improve data collection, accuracy, and reporting for evidence-based decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation, verification, and submission of periodic reports to relevant sections and donors.
• Participate in assessments, surveys, and evaluations to measure program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Support adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures across all health service points.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the alternate focal point for health program coordination with UNHCR, WHO, national health authorities, and implementing partners.
• Represent the organization in health coordination meetings, inter-agency forums, and technical working groups.
• Ensure integration and complementarity of health services with other humanitarian sectors, including WASH, Protection, and Nutrition.
• Strengthen referral mechanisms between health facilities to ensure timely access to secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
• Collaborate with supply chain and pharmacy teams to ensure timely procurement and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies to health facilities.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Assist in provision of technical guidance, training, and mentorship to health workers, community health volunteers, and facility staff to improve service delivery.
• Build the capacity of health personnel on case management, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and adherence to clinical protocols.
• Strengthen community health outreach and health promotion activities to enhance health awareness and prevent disease outbreaks.
• Support the development and dissemination of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for effective health service delivery.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• Ensure that health programs are well-prepared to respond to disease outbreaks, epidemics, and public health emergencies in refugee camps.
• Coordinate rapid health assessments and mobilize resources to address emerging health crises.
• Work with stakeholders to strengthen early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms.

Other Duties:

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall effectiveness of the health program.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field; a Master’s degree in Public Health or a relevant discipline is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in humanitarian health programs, with at least 2 years in refugee health interventions.
• Experience working in UNHCR-funded health programs is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of refugee health systems, disease surveillance, and emergency health interventions in displacement settings.
• Proven experience in program coordination, health service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent data management, monitoring, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work in remote and challenging environments with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and health information management systems.