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Some challenges affect health on a global scale, such as infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Today’s interconnected world means that these shared environmental and broad health challenges provide opportunities for talented public health professionals to improve the lives of populations everywhere.
International public health jobs offer unique career opportunities to make a tangible difference in worldwide communities. If you’re ready to take a leap into this rewarding sector, an Australian postgraduate public health degree can be your ticket to a global career. This article explores the international public health landscape, different roles in this field and how a public health degree can set you up for success in this dynamic arena.
The purpose of the global public health sector
The world’s population is currently around 8.2 billion, which comprises a varied mix of people with ranging health needs. Complex and chronic disease, ecological challenges, socio-economic disadvantage and extreme weather events all have far-reaching impacts across borders that call for a cohesive public health approach.
In contrast to public health in Australia, public health jobs overseas have a broader, global scope and purpose. The international public health sector exists to help promote and maintain the health of populations across countries, taking into consideration the various social, political, economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence health transnationally.
Professionals working in the global public health field can help address widespread challenges that affect the entire world, such as infectious disease spread, the effects of climate change, food security and providing natural disasters relief.
Rewarding international public health jobs
The diversity of international public health needs means career opportunities exist across many specialisations. Here are some important roles in human health research, disease prevention, environmental health and disaster management where your expertise in public health can make a meaningful global impact.
Biostatistician
What do biostatisticians do?
A biostatistician analyses biological and public health data to identify health and disease patterns amongst populations. The role of these professionals includes establishing study designs and methodology to conduct research such as clinical trials. They’ll apply statistical methods to analyse and interpret data. Biostatisticians are integral to understanding trends, treatment efficacy and risk factors for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
How does their role apply to global health?
In a population health context on the international stage, biostatisticians analyse and interpret complex multinational datasets and factor in a range of cultural, social and economic contributors that influence specific health outcomes. Their data interpretation is fundamental to global public health as it provides insights to help shape health policies that can benefit the health of worldwide populations.
Biostatisticians may work collaboratively with epidemiologists and policymakers and across many health domains, such as cancer, genomics, mental health or vaccine development. They may be employed by research institutions, universities, government bodies or broader global health organisations.
Communicable disease analyst
What do communicable disease analysts do?
A communicable disease analyst focuses on identifying, tracking, analysing and interpreting data related to communicable diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, typhoid fever or HIV. They will identify and monitor infectious disease outbreaks and evaluate the infection risk for a specific region or population. Their scope is narrower compared to other health data analyst or biostatistics roles, as they work dedicatedly in infectious diseases. They may collaborate with policy advisors or government officials to improve communicable disease control measures.
How does their role apply to global health?
International communicable disease analysts monitor and respond to infectious disease threats across borders. They work with surveillance data, conduct risk assessments for disease spread and provide support to other professionals, such as epidemiologists and global public health authorities. The data could be shared with neighbouring countries, which can help support a coordinated healthcare response to a region that may be uniquely impacted by a specific infectious disease outbreak.
Communicable disease analysts are invaluable on the global front, as they can respond rapidly, helping to prevent a local disease threat from becoming a more widespread or global emergency. They are responsible for early infectious disease detection, identifying likely routes of transmission and recommending strategies for disease prevention. Their work also helps to uncover healthcare disparities, which supports broader efforts toward targeted policies and interventions for under-resourced populations. These analysts can work for global health organisations, government agencies, surveillance organisations, hospitals, universities and NGOs.
Field epidemiologist
What do field epidemiologists do?
A field epidemiologist is an ‘on the ground’ public health professional whose main role is to discover where diseases arise from and what strategies need to be implemented to prevent them from emerging. They may collaborate with local healthcare professionals, governments and international agencies to help mitigate the impact of diseases. These professionals differ from research-based epidemiologists and are deployed to a real-world setting, such as a post-disaster zone or disease epicentre.
How does their role apply to global health?
The role of a field epidemiologist is to understand the root cause of disease aetiology, how it can be transmitted and to suggest prevention, reduction or control strategies. Field epidemiologists use disease modelling tools to predict how and when specific diseases may move between communities, countries or continents. They’ll use data collected from their fieldwork, compare it to the modelling and make recommendations accordingly.
Field epidemiologists provide real-time investigative support during a health emergency. Their work may involve providing frontline support to people in rural parts of the world, sometimes with poor sanitation and fewer resources. They can track cases and provide support with isolation efforts to directly mitigate disease spread and save lives. They may work for organisations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), global NGOs and humanitarian agencies.
Environmental health officer
What do environmental health officers do?
An environmental health officer is responsible for assessing and managing environmental hazards that can negatively impact human health. Their role encompasses occupational hazards, light, noise and air pollution risk, toxicants, food safety and public health concerns such as water quality, sanitation and waste management. They are actively involved in public health policy regulation, health risk assessments and can contribute to education efforts as well.
How does their role apply to global health?
The global impact of an environmental health officer is to help improve living conditions and the overall health of populations that span across geographically connected areas. They are integral to the prevention of illnesses related to environmental toxin exposure and can help create safe and healthy spaces in which people can thrive.
Environmental health officers in an international public health role will consider the interconnected nature of today’s modern world and shared ecosystems and where certain health hazards have global implications. A prime example is water quality, as it could pose transnational health risks with many rivers and waterways crossing national borders in some parts of the world. Pollution upstream can affect water safety downstream, which has negative consequences for populations reliant on these water systems for survival. These professionals may be employed by government agencies, the defence force, non-profit organisations or the WHO as well as other entities.
Medical entomologist
What do medical entomologists do?
A medical entomologist works in the field of vector-borne diseases by studying insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. These professionals will monitor a particular insect species in an attempt to better understand their behaviour, ecology and life cycle. Data collected can be used to develop strategies to control or eliminate insect populations to protect public health.
How does their role apply to global health?
Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and lyme disease can be spread over vast geographic distances, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical areas. They account for over 17 per cent of all infectious diseases worldwide. Expert medical entomologists serve an important function in preventing the spread of these deadly diseases and protecting the health of the public.
Medical entomologists with a public health qualification are a vital asset to global public health outcomes. Their work involves developing eradication or control strategies for insect populations, supporting education efforts on disease risk and collaborating with epidemiologists, researchers and various health professionals to develop appropriate treatment options for those affected. Public health professionals in this role may work for global healthcare organisations, universities or research institutions involved in tropical diseases.
Climate resilience officer
What do climate resilience officers do?
A climate resilience officer focuses on climate science and how it affects public health. Their aim is to support communities to prepare and respond more effectively to the evolving impact of climate change. They’ll examine the available research on weather and how modernisation may contribute to weather changes. These professionals can carry out climate risk assessments and recommend adaptation strategies that can be integrated into town planning or infrastructure development.
How does their role apply to global health?
Specialised climate resilience professionals are important in strengthening global approaches to climate change and helping coordinate cohesive responses across international borders. They may work alongside meteorological organisations and have an understanding of environmental science and the nuances that can impact remote, regional and metropolitan populations alike.
Climate resilience officers may also collaborate with environmental health officers and other public health experts to analyse any overlap that climate change has on agriculture, food security, water and air quality and the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. Aberrant weather patterns can contribute to droughts, flooding and other events such as rising sea levels and extreme temperature fluctuations. Their work is crucial to support a sustainable and robust future for populations worldwide.
Disaster risk reduction specialist
What does a disaster risk reduction specialist do?
A disaster risk reduction specialist works to reduce health risks from natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. They focus on risk reduction, emergency preparedness and building resilient public health systems that can respond effectively to emergency events. Their role is interdisciplinary, which allows collaboration with various sectors, such as government-led disaster and emergency management agencies, humanitarian organisations and other global entities that support the health and wellbeing of people in an emergency context.
How does their role apply to global health?
The impact of these professionals on international public health is significant. Through preparedness efforts that can be life-saving during emergencies to supporting communities as they rebuild following a disaster, experts in this field are a valuable addition to the global public health workforce.
Disaster risk reduction specialists play a key role in the prevention and management of disasters, both natural and human-made, following recommendations from the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015. Their role contributes to global public health policy development, including the generation of early warning systems, access to shelter, mental health support and emergency medical support. It involves collaborating with governments, NGOS and communities to protect the livelihood and economy of regions impacted by disasters.
Health economist
What does a health economist do?
A health economist applies economic theories and methods to better understand how health resources are allocated, which gives insights on how to improve the efficiency of funds within broader healthcare systems. Their work includes conducting cost-effectiveness analyses of health interventions, evaluating the economic impact of diseases, forecasting health budgets and advising on healthcare strategies to maximise the value of healthcare delivery.
How does their role apply to global health?
These public health professionals can use economic modelling tools and cost-benefit analyses to support healthcare policies that improve the health outcomes of populations. Using data from population health research, epidemiology or insights from other public health professionals, health economists can provide meaningful solutions to health problems that impact diverse populations.
Health economists can work for global organisations, providing guidance on how best to allocate funds to improve healthcare outcomes. This may be particularly useful in under-resourced countries, where the need for disease prevention programs, clean sanitation, vaccines or education may be a priority as the burden of disease costs may be higher than prevention measures. As such, a health economist can provide valuable information to help inform decisions that ensure appropriate funding is available.
Notable organisations in the international public health industry
Below are some examples of organisations and agencies that address global public health issues, which provide broad career opportunities for public health professionals.
- The United Nations (UN): The UN was established after World War II and is an international organisation that serves several global health purposes. Broadly, they work to maintain peace, dispel conflict, reduce poverty, improve health and education, advocate for human rights, promote sustainability and deliver humanitarian aid.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO): This is one of the specialised United Nations agencies responsible for setting international health guidelines, responding to health emergencies and providing healthcare advice to their 194 member state countries. They lead global health governance, provide support to healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries and play a role as the overarching authority for international public health emergencies.
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): Another specialised United Nations agency is UNICEF. This international agency advocates for children's health, which includes providing resources for nutrition, vaccines, clean water, sanitation, education and welfare. UNICEF often supports the needs and wellbeing of children in crisis-affected countries, serving an important humanitarian role in promoting global public health.
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): This international non-profit organisation was launched in Switzerland with the vision to promote and improve the diets of all people, particularly in vulnerable communities. GAIN strives to reduce unhealthy food consumption and enhance access to nutritious foods through sustainable farming, education and food fortification. These efforts address food security, malnutrition and related poor health outcomes in underdeveloped nations.
- The Pandemic Fund: Established in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and supported by the World Bank, this global financing organisation was founded to strengthen the effectiveness of emergency pandemic responses. The Pandemic Fund works collaboratively with the UN to help support low and middle income countries to fund better disease surveillance, research capabilities, preparedness and public health workforce education.
- Doctors Without Borders: Also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), this organisation is an international medical humanitarian non-profit that delivers medical care and emergency support in high-conflict areas, refugee camps and following natural disasters. They provide life-saving, impartial medical support and often employ a variety of qualified medical staff and other public health experts to support the complex and evolving needs of people in humanitarian crises.
- CARE International: CARE is a global humanitarian group whose primary aim is to address widespread poverty, provide disaster relief and advocate for the health and welfare of vulnerable communities. They have a focus on girl’s, women’s and maternal health and prioritise providing access to resources, food, clean water, accommodation, healthcare and education. CARE also supports skill and economic development to promote equal access and opportunity.
How a postgraduate public health degree prepares you for the global stage
If your sights are set on launching a public health career abroad, a postgraduate public health degree can equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed. Here’s how you’ll be prepared to take on a new challenge in public healthcare internationally.
Apply data analysis skills across global healthcare settings
A public health postgraduate degree can help you develop transferable skills that are important for a role in the international sector. Skills in data analysis can help you understand large, multinational datasets and research. You’ll be able to address population-based health needs, understand health and disease patterns and support health promotion efforts in many settings.
Your previous work experience and education also provides a valuable foundation to a public health career. Whether you are an established health professional, have a bachelor’s degree in another field or have previous relevant work experience, you’ll bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and insights to your international public health job.
If you’re considering health data as a public health career focus, the University of Technology Sydney’s Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics could be your ideal first step. This is an online course designed for professionals interested in understanding how to apply health research and data to initiate positive healthcare outcomes.
The Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics provides an optimal launchpad to further study, with the Master of Public Health Majoring in Data Analytics for comprehensive expertise in various topics, such as data analytics, global health perspectives, biostatistics and policy development. In this master’s degree, you can also choose from a range of elective subjects, such as Improving Safety and Quality in Health Care, Leading Health and Social Care and Machine Learning to tailor your studies.
Tackle complex population and planetary health challenges
As you gain further knowledge on the factors that influence human and planetary health, you’ll be able to effectively address these global issues with a root-cause approach. Your advanced knowledge of communicable and/or non-communicable diseases, epidemiology and health promotion practices allows you to develop novel and meaningful interventions that promote a healthier, more sustainable world for diverse communities.
The University of Technology Sydney’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is a unique online course that equips you with the capabilities to respond to global health threats, such as transmissible disease outbreaks that impact health on a broad scale. You’ll understand how to assess and mitigate disease risk to the public and learn how to develop policies that protect public health.
For a broad and in-depth public health qualification, the University of Technology Sydney’s Master of Public Health offers a diverse range of electives to support various international public health roles. The core units, Global Health Systems and Planetary Health, Health Promotion, Foundations in Public Health and Indigenous Public Health, and Social Perspectives in Public Health, provide important foundations for local and global roles in the public health field.
The University of Canberra’s (UC) Master of Public Health with the Global Health stream is an online course with a dedicated specialisation to meet the evolving needs of global health issues. Within this course, you’ll undertake important core units, such as Communicable Disease Control, Global Nutrition, Health Economics, Healthy People and Planet, and Healthy and Sustainable Places.
These units give you a highly relevant and strong underpinning to drive solutions to many international public health challenges. UC’s Master of Public Health is also offered face-to-face, giving you the option to interact directly with academic staff and pursue networking opportunities with like-minded public health student peers.
Lead change with a systems thinking approach
Completing a postgraduate public health course can help foster a systems thinking approach to widespread health issues. This encompasses the understanding of interconnected factors that lead to varying health outcomes globally. Through a public health qualification, you can begin to comprehend the social, political and economic relationships that influence human and environmental health. This knowledge helps you identify the origins of and contributors to poor health outcomes and allows you to design better, more targeted solutions to each challenge.
Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership is an online course suitable for you if you’re a passionate professional with a prior bachelor’s degree in any discipline or five years of approved work experience. Global Health Systems and Decision-Making, Global Health Economics and Finance and Global Health Leadership comprise the three core units of this graduate certificate. This course can advance your knowledge of global health systems to promote health equity across diverse communities worldwide.
From here, you’ll have the option to progress onto further study, with the Master of Public Health Specialising in Global Health Leadership with advanced standing. This master’s degree can further expand your knowledge in global health leadership, where you can develop and apply a systems thinking methodology to public health. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a professional project as a capstone unit to consolidate your learning in real-world scenarios and to demonstrate your competency as an expert in global public health.
Some master’s degrees in public health offer practical placements, which may be in a variety of local, regional, interstate or international public health settings, depending on the university and specific course. The University of Melbourne’s Master of Public Health offers global learning opportunities in low-resource healthcare settings or via an exchange program with overseas partner universities. These unique learning opportunities can further enhance your expertise in different healthcare systems and strategies to overcome public health challenges specific to each cultural context.
Your international public health career starts here
As people face increasingly complex environmental and human health challenges, the demand for public health professionals who can effectively address local and global problems alike remains strong. Obtaining a postgraduate qualification in public health means you’ll be equipped for a career in this field, in Australia or internationally.
At GlobalHealth Education, we partner with respected universities to offer postgraduate healthcare courses in a range of fields. We also showcase courses from various respected Australian universities.
The healthcare courses range includes nursing, health leadership and management, counselling, psychology, public health, social work and mental health.
If you’d like to enrol in or know more about postgraduate public health degrees and would like tailored support with your next career move, book a free professional development strategy call with our Education Consultant, Catriona, who is ready to help you.
