HEALTH PROGRAMME OFFICER GRADE 8 – Omaheke Regional Council

A Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Nursing, Social Work, or a related health field is usually required. Registration with relevant Namibian professional bodies, such as the Health Professions Council of Namibia, may be necessary depending on your specialization. Previous experience in community health or programme management is often preferred.

You will coordinate and monitor health programmes across the Omaheke region, including outreach services in rural settlements and farms. Duties include data collection, reporting to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, training community health workers, and liaising with local clinics and traditional leaders. Travel to remote areas is common given the region's sparse population distribution.

Regional council positions often require more fieldwork and direct community engagement than central ministry roles. Decision-making can be slower due to resource constraints and the need to consult traditional authorities and local stakeholders. Flexibility and cultural sensitivity are essential when working with diverse communities in Omaheke's multicultural setting.

With experience, you can advance to senior programme officer roles, regional health coordinator positions, or management posts within the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Further studies, such as a Master's in Public Health, improve prospects for policy and planning roles. Some officers transition to NGO or international health organization positions with broader regional responsibilities.

Benefits generally include membership in the Government Institutions Pension Fund, medical aid contributions, and annual leave as per Public Service Act regulations. Housing or transport allowances may apply depending on the specific post and location. Remote area allowances are sometimes available for positions in underserved regions like Omaheke.

Applications are typically submitted through the Public Service Commission or directly to the Omaheke Regional Council with certified copies of qualifications, a detailed CV, and proof of Namibian citizenship. Employers value demonstrated experience working in rural or resource-limited settings, fluency in local languages such as Otjiherero or Afrikaans, and strong community mobilization skills. Highlight any experience with HIV/AIDS programmes, maternal health, or disease surveillance, as these are priority areas in Namibia.