JOB DESCRIPTION

International Humanitarian Register

Job Title Public Health Promoter

Location Pacific Island country in Melanesia/Polynesia/Micronesia

background

Oxfam New Zealand (ONZ) is an independent humanitarian, advocacy and development agency affiliated to Oxfam International. We work with people caught in extreme poverty in many regions overseas, by providing practical support to achieve essentials like safe water, basic education and a reliable food supply. When natural disasters or conflicts strike, our efforts are focused on saving lives and helping communities recover.

The geographical focus for ONZ’s humanitarian work is in the Pacific. Oxfam Australia (OAU) is the other Oxfam affiliate operational in this region which means if a disaster strikes, we will coordinate efforts. Currently OAU is the Oxfam lead for any humanitarian assessment and response operations undertaken in Melanesia while ONZ is the Oxfam humanitarian lead in Polynesia/Micronesia.

JOB PURPOSE

Contribute to the initial assessments of public health risks in an emergency (if required), and take a lead in educating affected populations on good health and hygiene practices as part of any wider Oxfam Water, Sanitation and Health promotion (WASH) programme. This may include capacity building activities and changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours to maintain or where appropriate, improve the health of affected populations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme assessment and development

· Contribute to ongoing assessments of public health risks and of key needs within the affected population.

· Ensure the involvement of all sectors of the affected population e.g. women, men, boys and girls, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), disabled and marginalised groups, in needs assessments and in the planning, design, implementing and monitoring of health promotion activities

· Work collaboratively with public health engineer to design or customise WASH assessment tools e.g. household and baseline surveys, focus group discussions.

· Contribute to the development of culture and gender appropriate, participatory public health promotion activities in collaboration with other team members, partners and key stakeholders.

· Develop methodologies, tools and materials for use in preventive health education and promotion activities.

· Review and make recommendations on existing health education methodologies in use, as appropriate.

· Contribute to programme advocacy and representation objectives as they relate to health education and sanitation.

Programme implementation

· Manage the implementation of public health promotion activities in all phases of emergency WASH, e.g. design and collection of baseline data, formation and training of WASH committees and volunteers, working with logistics on targeting, delivery and monitoring of non-food item (NFI) distributions, design, implementation and monitoring of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy.

· Work with partners, counterparts and members of the affected population to build appropriate capacity in public health prevention and promotion. This is likely to be achieved through training interventions, mentoring, ongoing advice and support.

· Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of relevant public health policies.

Programme reporting

· Participate in the development and implementation of an appropriate monitoring and evaluation system that can demonstrate the impact of interventions using quantitative and qualitative indicators.

· Contribute to the collection and analysis of baseline data for monitoring and evaluation reports relating to public health.

· Contribute to any funding proposals and the collection of relevant information for donor reports.

General

· Undertake any other tasks that may be delegated that are in keeping with the scope of the role.

COMPETENCES

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

· Qualification in a relevant technical discipline or equivalent experience

· Sound understanding of community development approaches to water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion project work

· Experience of participatory appraisal, monitoring and evaluation

· Experience of facilitation, training, mentoring and building the capacity of others

· Experience of working in multi-functional and/or cross-cultural teams

· Financial management experience

· Good knowledge of and commitment to the practical application of the Sphere guidelines and standards as well as other relevant international humanitarian standards such as the Red Cross Codes of Conduct

· Knowledge of the culture and customs at least one Pacific Island country and/or languages is desirable

Professional/technical skills

· Ability to build the capacity of others

· Report writing skills

· Ability to analyse and evaluation information

· Good IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft applications, particularly Word and Excel

· Security awareness

· Holder of valid drivers licence (manual gears)

Personal attributes

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Able to communicate clearly and effectively (verbally and in writing)

· Able to work effectively with and through others

· Able to work well under pressure and to deadlines

· Able to work in ambiguous, difficult or complex environments/ situations

· Able to manage stress in self

· Self motivated and able to work autonomously

· Strong team working skills

· Able to work effectively cross culturally and tolerate the views and perspectives of others

· Results orientation

· Adaptable & flexible

· Mature and sensible

· Commitment to Oxfam’s mission and values

HOURS

Out of hours or weekend may be required for which appropriate compensation leave will be awarded either during or at the end of the field assignment in accordance with ONZ’s policy.

TRAVEL

The role may require in country travel as the requirements of the role dictate. All Oxfam staff are required to heed the advice of local authorities in relation to security issues and follow local security guidelines. Staff must also be prepared to make their own assessments of potential hazards or dangers during field trips in the knowledge that ONZ will always respect and support a decision to continue or withdraw from any part of a field trip or activity for reasons related to personal security.

Created Oct 2010

Updated Aug 2015