Public Health Program Officer

Health facilities, training institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uganda are working to improve health outcomes in their communities, and you can lend a hand.

Uganda faces pressing public health challenges, including high population density, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a system that invests more in clinical care than preventive health. These issues have deep roots in the country’s history, shaped by decades of underinvestment and rapid population growth. Local health organizations wish to address these challenges by strengthening key aspects of public health implementation, particularly project management, monitoring, and reporting. Stronger public health programs can lead to improved health outcomes, support data-driven decisions, and strengthen Uganda’s primary health care system.

As a Public Health Program Officer, you’ll collaborate with health professionals, community organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure that public health strategies are both evidence-based and culturally sensitive. Together, you will coordinate services, lead community outreach, promote behavior change, as well as ensure health interventions are effectively delivered and aligned with both organizational goals and Uganda’s national health priorities.

Bachelor's degree in public health, community health, social sciences, or a related field.
AND
Two or more years of relevant work experience in public health, preferably in one of the following areas: maternal health, infant and child health, nutrition, malaria control, and the prevention and care for tuberculosis (TB) or HIV/AIDS.

Volunteers will live independently in urban and peri-urban areas of Uganda. Housing will have grid electricity or solar power and running water, but these utilities are unreliable. Mobile internet is widely available, with sufficient speed for video calls.

Make a meaningful contribution to Uganda’s health outcomes.
Gain hands-on public health experience and intercultural communication skills.
Expand your professional public health network to include Ugandan colleagues.

Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs.
Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and community outreach.
Prepare regular progress reports, success stories, and case studies.
Contribute to the development of concept notes and funding proposals.
Support the development of monitoring and evaluation tools and frameworks.
Strengthen operational efficiency through resource allocation and intervention targeting.
Develop communication materials and advocacy campaigns.
Contribute to digital health platforms and documentation.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as workshops to develop financial literacy or computer skills.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as in-country safety and the Ugandan health system, you will move to an urban or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with the health facility, health training institution, or NGO to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Uganda will equip you with language resources for the local language in your community, and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.