WHO Consultant - Development of the National Strategic Plan for Viral Hepatitis

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical leadership and coordination to the National Department of Health (NDoH) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the development of the country's first National Strategic Plan for Viral Hepatitis covering the period from 2027 to 203

• This plan is intended to be evidence-based, context-specific, and aligned with WHO guidance and national health strategies. The consultant will conduct a situational assessment of viral hepatitis in PNG, which includes evaluating the epidemiology, existing interventions, vaccination coverage, diagnostic capacity, and treatment landscape. The consultant will also establish a national Viral Hepatitis Working Group to facilitate stakeholder consultations, develop a costed Five-Year National Strategic Plan, and propose an operational and implementation plan with annual milestones. The consultant will support the validation and finalization of the strategic plan and assist the WHO Country Office in providing technical assistance as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key outputs throughout the consultancy period. The first output involves conducting a situational assessment and establishing a foundation for the National Strategic Plan, which includes delivering an inception report, a situational analysis report, and a stakeholder consultation report. The second output focuses on drafting the National Strategic Plan for Viral Hepatitis, which includes creating a first draft of the plan, a costed operational and implementation plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. The final output entails finalizing the National Strategic Plan based on stakeholder feedback, preparing dissemination materials, and supporting the launch event. The consultant will also be required to submit a report at the end of the assignment detailing the expected deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Medicine (MD, MBBS), Public Health, Health Policy, or a related field. They should have at least 7 years of work experience in public health program planning or communicable disease program management at the international level. Experience in developing or revising national strategies, guidelines, or technical documents is essential, as is experience working with a National Department of Health and multiple stakeholders. Previous experience in hepatitis strategic planning is considered an asset, while experience in HIV, STI, EMTCT, or other public health strategic planning in a developing country context is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Medicine, Public Health, or Health Policy. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the development of the National Strategic Plan for Viral Hepatitis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in public health program planning or communicable disease program management at an international level. This experience should include involvement in the development or revision of national strategies, guidelines, or technical documents, as well as collaboration with a National Department of Health and various stakeholders. Previous experience specifically related to hepatitis strategic planning is highly valued, while experience in other public health areas such as HIV or STI management in a developing country context is also beneficial.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and produce written reports and documentation in English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to take place from August to September 2026, with a total of 25 days of work. The consultant will be compensated at a daily rate of USD 49

• The position is based at the WHO Country Office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and may require travel within and outside of Port Moresby as necessary. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.