Public Health Officer

The Palestinian Authority has decided to establish a Palestinian National Institute of Public Health (PNIPH) following a feasibility study undertaken by the World Health Organization (WHO). The PNIPH will undertake health surveillance, data analysis and research in order to provide science-based information and advice on health issues to the PA and Palestinian civil society and will also have a role in training and capacity building for the health sector. WHO has been given the responsibility to establish the PNIPH in partnership with the PA Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health over a two year period to February 2014 with funding from the Norwegian Government. Once it is established as a legal entity with a governing body, the PNIPH will be a semi-autonomous government body within the Palestinian Authority, fully accountable for its own staff, its professional and technical responsibilities and its budget.

The WHO office for West Bank and Gaza is recruiting a national project team to start the work of establishing the Institute and build up its initial core functions. We are currently recruiting a Public Health Officer. A brief description of the post  can be found below. Inquiries and applications must be submitted by September 2, 2012 to [email protected]. Applications must be in English and include your CV and covering letter. Secondments will be considered. Only Palestinians are eligible to apply. All positions will be based at the new premises for the PNIPH in Ramallah, West Bank, but will have extensive contact with the WHO office in Jerusalem and with other stakeholders to carry out the functions.

A full description of the core functions of the Institute and the vacancies can be found at: http://www.emro.who.int/countries/pse/

You will be involved in the strengthening of the public health surveillance systems and registries. The duties will include improving the public health surveillance systems and registries, developing surveillance systems and providing technical guidance and support. You hold a Master’s Degree in public health or epidemiology or health statistics or related field. At least 3 years of work experience combined at national and/or international level in the field of public health is required.