Health Extension Officer

About the role

The Health Extension Officer works within the Business Line to deliver essential health services and promote wellness across communities in Papua New Guinea. The role implements health programmes at community level, focusing on preventive and promotive care, and works with local populations, health facilities and stakeholders to improve public health outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct community visits to assess health status and provide health education on disease prevention and a healthy lifestyle.
• Support immunization programmes, maternal and child health services and nutrition interventions.
• Identify and report health trends and outbreaks to health authorities and support rapid response.
• Collaborate with local health facilities and organisations to ensure smooth service delivery and use of resources.
• Facilitate training and capacity-building for community volunteers and other health workers.
• Use data collection tools to monitor programme progress and impact and contribute to regular reporting.
• Promote inclusive, culturally respectful health services accessible to all community members.

Required profile

• Diploma or degree in Public Health, Nursing or a related health discipline.
• Experience in community health outreach or extension services is preferred.
• Background in public health, nursing or a related health discipline; experience in community health settings.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, and to handle a challenging environment with limited resources.

Required skills

• Sound knowledge of primary health care principles and practices.
• Excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity, able to explain health information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in basic data collection and reporting.
• Commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality in healthcare.

The position is based in Papua New Guinea with fieldwork in surrounding communities, involving a mix of office and outdoor work and travel to remote or rural locations. The employer welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.