The primary goal of this consultancy is to review and adapt the relevant modules available with the World Health Organization (WHO) for local use. The goal is to make sure local health workers have the right skills to find, report, and manage health emergencies quickly and effectively. By strengthening the capacity of the frontline health workforce to effectively prevent, detect, assess, notify, and respond to health emergencies using the adapted modules, will enhance the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) across national, intermediate, and primary health levels
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, the right to results
UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to ensure that all of our children survive, thrive and fulfill their vast potential.
In a world that is rapidly changing, children are faced with complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities. UNICEF’s programs are designed to reach and benefit all children so that they can withstand these challenges, leverage these opportunities and be the drivers of their own destiny.
UNICEF is committed to creating a country in which every child is free to learn, play and grow. Our programs work towards providing all children in Sri Lanka with shelter, nutrition, protection and education, wherever they may be. We strive to create communities in which children can live with dignity and hope, free from discrimination, violence and fear.
We make every effort to create and maintain environments that will enable and empower children to be the very best that they can be.
In this way, all children will not only benefit from economic and social growth but will become the driving force behind sustainable national development.
For over 50 years, with the help of our vast network of partners, UNICEF has made significant strides in raising health, education and protection standards for children in Sri Lanka. From achieving Universal Child Immunization (1989) to establishing The National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disaster, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in creating an environment in which children have the best chance to survive and thrive.
Yet, many challenges still exist, especially for the most vulnerable. Some national and regional bodies require resources and reinvigoration. Individuals and institutions need to be strengthened, coordinated and aligned with global standards so that children enjoy support in their schools, communities and homes to help them overcome challenges and unleash their full potential into the world.
Due to our long-standing reputation as an experienced, neutral and collaborative partner, UNICEF is ideally suited to drive these efforts. Our history of success in Sri Lanka is built on our ability to tap into a wide network of national and international partners which, in turn, is bolstered by our own far-reaching presence in the field. In working closely with these government, non-government and private entities, UNICEF takes a leadership role, drawing on our technical expertise to accurately assess existing challenges and develop, execute and coordinate solutions that are relevant and scalable on the ground. For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
The International Health Regulations (IHR) are the primary global instrument for preventing, detecting, and responding to public health events of international concern. Effective implementation of the IHR requires strong public health systems with trained and competent workforce at national, district, and primary level. The Pandemic Fund, with UNICEF as the Implementing Entity, is designed to directly address this need by strengthening the capacity of the public health and community workforce.
Following the 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE), the development of human resource capacity has emerged as a top priority for strengthening International Health Regulations (IHR) implementation in Sri Lanka. To effectively prepare for future health security threats, it is critical to develop specialized training modules designed to equip the frontline workforce with essential concepts of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
To address this, the Education Training and Research Unit (ET&R) of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, with the funding support under the Pandemic Fund, has initiated the process to enable availability of training modules followed by the training of health workforce on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.
The National Consultant will conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing local and international training modules for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) staff to improve the implementation of the IHRs and the recommendations from the Training Needs Assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health. Based on these findings, the consultant will adapt high-quality, competency-based training modules tailored to the specific operational requirements of these frontline health workers.
The ultimate objective is to establish a standardized, high-impact training program that strengthens national health security. This initiative focuses on a structured and standardized training program that will enhance the effectiveness of the national health system thereby building a more resilient communities against future pandemics.
Scope
The primary goal of this consultancy is to review and adapt the relevant modules available with the World Health Organization (WHO) for local use. The goal is to make sure local health workers have the right skills to find, report, and manage health emergencies quickly and effectively.
By strengthening the capacity of the frontline health workforce to effectively prevent, detect, assess, notify, and respond to health emergencies using the adapted modules, will enhance the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) across national, intermediate, and primary health levels
Duration of the consultancy: 5 months (90 days)
Duty station – Colombo (Home based)
Goal and Objective:
The primary goal of this consultancy is to review and adapt the relevant modules available with the World Health Organization (WHO) for local use. The goal is to make sure local health workers have the right skills to find, report, and manage health emergencies quickly and effectively.
By strengthening the capacity of the frontline health workforce to effectively prevent, detect, assess, notify, and respond to health emergencies using the adapted modules, will enhance the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) across national, intermediate, and primary health levels
The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:
The consultant will be expected to work in close collaboration with the Technical Working Group (TWG) appointed by the Ministry of Health. The TWG, is chaired by the Deputy Director General of Education, Training and Research (ET&R), includes key stakeholders from several units of the ministry of Health such as Director-Training, Quarantine Unit, Epidemiology Unit, Health Promotion Bureau, as well as representatives from the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kalutara, WHO and UNICEF Country Offices and the UNICEF consultant conducting the TNA. This collaboration is desirable for incorporating diverse perspectives and ensuring a comprehensive approach to the development and updating of the curricula.
Scope of the work
A. Literature and Desk Review:
• Peruse the TNAs performed for health staff in recent past.
• A comprehensive review and analysis of the available WHO training modules for IHR implementation to prevent, detect, assess, notify, and respond to health emergencies.
• An analysis of national guidelines, circulars, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to public health emergencies and IHR implementation of the public health workforce.
• A review of all the current training modules and related materials available nationally and internationally for the targeted frontline health staff
• Peruse the recent TNA report and its recommendations, conducted by the DDG ET&R in 2025-2026, once the report is ready
B. Adaptation of WHO Modules
• Adapt available competency-based modules at the WHO, including detailed content for each module to local modules.
• Develop detailed lesson content, interactive learning activities, and assessment methods (tests/evaluations) tailored to the Sri Lankan context.
C. Validation and Finalization:
• Present the draft modules and materials to TWG for review and feedback. Incorporate their comments to produce the final, approved versions of modules.
D. Final Report
Submit a comprehensive final report detailing the entire process, including methodologies used, TNA findings, and the final modules.
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
• Inception Report: A detailed work plan and timeline outlining the approach to the consultancy.
• Desk review; Submit the desk review of the analysis of available WHO modules and other similar modules
• Draft adopted modules: A first draft of the training modules and the activities
• Final modules and Materials: Approved versions of all modules and supporting tools.
• Comprehensive Final Report: Summary of the methodology, process, and final outcomes.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
MD or equivalent - Public Health, Medical Education, Emergency Health Care
Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
• Doctoral Degree in Medical Administration or Community Medicine, board-certified or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in health management, workforce development, or health systems strengthening with experience in Public Health Emergency preparedness, health research, with experience in designing and development of training programes and modules for multidisciplinary health workforces
• Knowledge and broad understanding of International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and its core capacities.
• Familiarity with national health security frameworks, such as the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), and evaluation tools like the Joint External Evaluation (JEE).
• Active engagement in national curriculum/module development programmes and professional development programs under the Ministry of Health and academic institutions.
• A good publication record demonstrated expertise in curriculum and module development and the creation of related educational materials
• Prior advisory or consultative roles in governmental, academic, or multilateral institutions curricular/Modules development on health system preparedness, emergency care, or capacity building will be an added advantage.
• Experience as an expert contributing to Health emergencies, including pandemic response planning or training (e.g., COVID-19) will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multicultural and multidisciplinary teams (Ability to work in English is essential) including senior-level health ministry officials
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
Duration of the consultancy: 5 months (90 days)
Duty station – Colombo (Home based)
Start date - April 2026
How to apply:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a resume and other relevant documents
Please complete your profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system.
Please indicate your ability, availability and fee/rate in LKR to undertake the terms of reference above. (Indicate an all-inclusive fee (including lump sum travel, IT accessories, Internet and subsistence costs, as applicable) to undertake the tasks in the Terms of reference. Office 365 license will be provided by UNICEF, as applicable)
Applications submitted without a fee/rate will not be considered
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.
If you believe you can be a team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.