Health Specialist (Community Based Surveillance)

The Health Specialist will strengthen the operational implementation of community-based surveillance to improve early detection, reporting, and follow-up of suspected Ebola cases at the community level in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role supports UNICEF's multi-sectoral approach to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak response, focusing on community engagement and surveillance.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen the operational implementation of community-based surveillance to improve early detection, reporting, and follow-up of suspected Ebola cases at the community level.
• Support UNICEF's multi-sectoral approach focusing on community engagement, surveillance, infection prevention, and continuity of essential services for vulnerable populations.
• Coordinate and adapt response efforts in a complex and evolving context shaped by health system limitations, logistical constraints, insecurity, displacement, and diverse community perceptions influencing health-seeking behaviors.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in community surveillance and/or public health programmes is required.
• Teamwork and Collaboration skills.
• Effective Community Communication skills.
• Organization and Attention to Detail.
• Results Orientation.
• Ability to Work in Challenging and Emergency Contexts.
• Strong Knowledge of Epidemiological Surveillance.
• Proficiency in Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) Approaches.
• Understanding of Community Contexts and Local Dynamics.
• Ability to Engage and Work Effectively with Community Stakeholders.
• Supervision, Coaching, and Training Skills.
• Fluency in French is required.
• Intermediate proficiency in English is an asset.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is desirable.
• Experience in epidemic response (e.g., Ebola, cholera, or other disease outbreaks) is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Skills

• Community Surveillance
• Epidemiological Surveillance
• Public Health Programs
• Community Engagement
• Community Communication
• Supervision and Coaching
• Training Delivery
• Epidemic Response
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Working in Emergency Contexts
• Organization and Attention to Detail
• Results Orientation
• Health Surveillance
• Community Context Analysis
• Language Proficiency in French

Languages

French, English