Public Health Advisor (Retainer)

Remote | Home Based - May require travel

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Remote | Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Documentation and Information Management
Closing Date: 2025-10-24

Job categories Health

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5524/30812

Level ICS-11

Department/office APR, EAPMCO, Papua New Guinea

Duty station Home based

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-3

Duration 21 Months with the possibility of extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Application period 03-Oct-2025 to 24-Oct-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

Technical Advice
Tool Development and Implementation
Capacity Development and Training
Data Management Strategy
Reporting and Documentation

1.Technical Advice

Provide high-quality clinical and public health advice to the program team.
Provide expert guidance to ensure the Program aligns with best practice in public health, health planning and health system strengthening. Also ensuring alignment with the National Health Service Standards (2021-2030) and NDoH priorities.
Advise on integration of the tool into existing national health systems, ensuring usability and sustainability.
Provide strategic advice and suggestions for the ongoing improvement of the assessment tool and methodology, based on feedback from field implementation.
Contribute to the project team’s broader objectives as required, offering technical insight to support decision-making and learning.

2.Tool Development and Implementation

In close coordination with the Senior Project Manager, develop an agreed overarching work plan to guide inputs throughout the project timeline for the development and implementation of the new Rapid Health Facility Assessment Tool.
Contribute to the design and refinement of the Rapid Health Facility Assessment Tool, including the development of critical equipment lists.
Provide technical inputs to ensure usability, feasibility, and sustainability within PNG’s diverse facility contexts.
Directly support completion of assessments and capacity strengthening in at least 5 provinces (5 on-site field visits).
Assist with provincial coordination during assessments.
Provide technical advice on tool improvement and sustainability.
Provide continuous support to NDoH/PHAs and the Program Team throughout the development and implementation phases of the tool.

3.Capacity Development and Training

In collaboration with the Capacity Development Specialist and Project Manager, develop and finalise the Capacity Development and Human Resources Strategy for the Assessment.
Support the development of training content and learning objectives, including inputting public health expertise into the training materials.
Contribute to planning and the delivery of four regional trainings, which include contributing to training planning, 4x one-week field visits, helping with training coordination, and contributing to post-training reports and support.
Deliver technical sessions and integrate public health content.

4. Data Management Strategy

Provide technical input into the Assessments’ data management strategy, with consideration to existing public health systems in PNG.
Review the alignment of the Data Management Strategy with public health systems.
Assist PHAs and NDOH to synthesise, analyse, and use information gathered from the Health Facility Assessments.

5. Reporting and Documentation

Prepare a final report summarising achievements, consolidated technical findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of the deliverables/outputs by the Public Health Advisor (Retainer) for the Rapid Health Facility Assessment and Capacity Development Program directly impact on the success of the project, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in public health, health systems/services administration, or any other field related to the functions of the post, from an accredited institution is required.
A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Experience:

Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in public health or health systems, or related fields.
Experience working in PNG is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of the PNG health system, including facility operations, HR, and infrastructure planning is strongly preferred.
Experience with field assessments and health information systems is highly desirable.
Prior experience working with government and development partners is a strong asset.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is required.
Knowledge of Tok Pisin is an advantage.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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