Public and Environmental Health Officers

The Public Environmental Health Officer supports the implementation of public and environmental health programs at community and facility level in Neno District. The role focuses on environmental health, disease prevention, sanitation and hygiene promotion, community mobilization, and surveillance activities, working closely with Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), community structures, and district leadership.

The Officer contributes to delivery of the National Community Health Framework (NCHF) and supports government and PIH/APZU initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes through preventive and promotive public health interventions.


CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Public & Environmental Health Service Delivery

Supports implementation of public and environmental health activities in accordance with national policies and district plans.
Supports prevention, preparedness, and response to communicable diseases through community-based surveillance and outbreak interventions.
Promotes healthy environmental practices at household, school, and community levels.
Strengthens and supports existing community structures, including Community Health Action Groups (CHAGs), to effectively participate in health outreach, disease prevention, and environmental health promotion.
Advocates for climate change adaptation and sound environmental management practices, including pollution control, environmental sanitation, waste management, and protection of water sources.
Promotes community awareness of the health impacts of climate change and environmentally related risks and support locally driven mitigation and resilience initiatives.
Promotes and supports volunteerism for health by engaging community volunteers, local leaders, and organized groups in public and environmental health interventions.

Community Health & HSA Support

Works closely with Disease Control and Surveillance Assistants/Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in implementing community health environmental health activities.
Supports implementation of TRACE activities and other community-based health promotion initiatives.
Assists in organizing community health education sessions, SHAR meetings, mass campaigns, and dialogue sessions.
Supports community mobilization for immunization, sanitation campaigns, and health outreach activities.
Supports community mobilization efforts to address health problems within limited resource settings.

Data Collection, Reporting & Quality Improvement

Collects, compiles, and submits routine environmental and public health data accurately and on time.
Participates in assessments, surveys, and monitoring activities under the National Community Health Framework.
Supports implementation of Community Health Information Systems (CHIS) at community level.
Participates in review meetings to reflect on program performance and identify improvement actions.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination & Collaboration

Works closely with the District Environmental Health Office, District Promotion Health Officer, community health teams, and facility staff.
Coordinates with other PIH/APZU programs (TB/HIV, MCH, Nutrition, NCDs, Mental Health) to ensure integrated service delivery.
Supports collaboration with local leaders, community structures, and relevant government stakeholders.
Represents environmental health and community health activities in relevant district meetings when assigned.

Professional Conduct & Other Duties

Maintains professionalism, ethical conduct, and respect for community dignity.
Ensures compliance with PIH/APZU and Ministry of Health policies and guidelines.
Perform other public and environmental health duties as assigned by supervisors.

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health or related field.
Experience working with HAs and community health structures is an added advantage.
Familiarity with Malawi Ministry of Health environmental and community health policies and guidelines.