Got your Master’s in Public Health? Then here’s one position for you that might interest you. AKRSP, a non-governmental organization under the Aga Khan Foundation, is looking for a Public Health Officer for their office based in Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan. The position does not include just sitting behind a desk and punching the clock from 9 am to 5 pm. You would be out in villages, helping people with their health problems.
Salary: Rs. 60,000 – 100,000 per month (Full Time). Minimum qualifications required: Master’s Degree with 2 years of work experience.
The organization has a long track record in the area, being involved in health, education, and rural development projects. The reputation of the organization is strong among the locals and this comes not overnight but through years of work. It means that becoming a Public Health Officer there means going a little deeper into the local culture than one might think.
There are numerous problems regarding health services in the area. Poor roads and difficult terrain do not allow people to quickly get to basic healthcare facilities. A Public Health Officer makes the bridge to provide health education to the locals. It is tough work for sure, but what reward a person gets doing the regular desk job?

You’ll travel a lot, talk to people face to face, and change your plans on the fly based on what’s actually happening on the ground. Some weeks are quiet. Other weeks you’re running from one village to the next without much of a break. You learn to roll with it.
Candidates from Diamer district get preference, so say so clearly if that’s you. If you’re not from there, solid experience in community health still counts for a lot.

Better to be honest about this upfront. The job isn’t for everyone. If long drives and last-minute changes sound exhausting rather than exciting, think twice before applying.
A lot of people who start in roles like this end up in bigger program jobs within a few years. Daily work here just teaches you more than a routine office job would.
The day begins early because the first appointment will probably take place at a village close by. This could be a discussion on issues relating to maternal health or a discussion with the local health workers on an outbreak of diseases. In any case, you begin the day listening first and then determining the needs of the people.
Traveling to your appointments is no easy feat; especially on those days that the roads are difficult. On reaching your destinations, you do not just give out information. Instead, you answer the questions asked of you and clear all confusion. You also persuade people to practice a particular health behavior they have never tried before.
Afternoon finds you back at the office where you will be writing down notes, updating with your team, and planning for the next visit. This could be a telephone conversation with the main office concerning a report that is supposed to be delivered. This could be an update about measures to put in place before the next visit. It is busy but definitely not boring.
The evening will always see you wrapping up and doing a reflection on the days work and preparation for the rest of the week. Weekends have no activities planned, except that the field work schedule varies each week depending on what the community requires.
The amount of salary you will receive depends on how well you perform in the interview, and how strong your background is. Knowledge about Diamer and Chitral may work in your favor as well. As non-profit organizations usually provide some additional perks along with a basic salary.
Save your time for searching, and go directly to TopicEarn.com to click the apply button on this page. This is the only site you should visit. Be ready with your CV, and your proof of Masters Degree and work experience..

Does it mean I require 2 years of experience or I can apply with even less?
For AKRSP 2 years of experience is the minimum requirement. If not then you must have a solid academic background and field experience or internship.
Is it a remote position or should I reside in Gilgit-Baltistan?
It is an on-site field work position and you will be working in Diamer district along with other adjacent areas. It means remote work is not a requirement.
How AKRSP determines the salary amount?
Depending upon your experience and performance during the interview process the AKRSP determines the salary. At times some special requirements are taken into account.
Does belonging to Diamer district mean an advantage for me?
Absolutely, as it has been stated by AKRSP, preference is given to people coming from Diamer as local experience and credibility become significant here.
What is the time frame of recruitment?
Depends; expect to wait for some weeks between CV submission and response. Such recruitment processes never take place quickly.
Is there a need for constant travelling within this job?
Certainly. Traveling is expected frequently both to Diamer and to surrounding districts, sometimes even up to Chitral, depending on the state of affairs with programs. If field work suits you better than office routine, you’ll like this part.
Besides the paper, what other skills are required?
Apart from this, AKRSP seeks candidates who are able to relate to the community. Being a good listener is essential. Other than this, patience during field work and ability to adapt to local norms is important.
Is previous NGO experience necessary for application?
No, previous NGO experience is not necessary. Public health experience would be preferred.
It is not easy for public health professionals in Gilgit-Baltistan, but it is the sort of profession where the hard work done translates into something tangible in a person’s life. It is for those who find themselves fitting well within such an environment, and for those people, this is an opportunity to consider seriously. One needs to come in with a patient mind and people skills.
