International Consultant - NCD Coaching and Quality Improvement Specialist

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, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes globally. In the Solomon Islands, WHO collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to address public health challenges, particularly in the area of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Job Overview:
The International Consultant - NCD Coaching and Quality Improvement Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in the Solomon Islands. This position focuses on expanding the NCD coaching and quality improvement model to include hypertension and further scale up diabetes and diabetic foot care across primary care facilities. The consultant will work closely with the NCD Team to implement and evaluate the NCD coaching and quality improvement package, strengthen data platforms for routine evaluation, and support both facility and national-level planning. The overarching goal is to improve the management of NCDs, which are responsible for a significant burden of disease and mortality in the region. The consultant will also contribute to the development of strategies that enhance access to essential health services and medicines, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of NCD-related complications and deaths.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Developing and adapting hypertension checklists for the NCD coaching package.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to finalize the NCD coaching manual.
• Guiding the alignment of international podiatry standards with national protocols.
• Supporting the training and mentoring of national facilitators for hypertension coaching.
• Developing NCD facilitator teams across targeted provinces.
• Overseeing facility-based quality improvement assessments and action plans.
• Coordinating the collection and analysis of program data for planning and quality improvement activities.
• Strengthening data management systems related to NCDs.
• Supporting the procurement and distribution of resources for NCD care. 1
• Collaborating with community partners to enhance NCD prevention and awareness activities. 1
• Providing program management and coordination support for NCD activities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in podiatry, medicine, public health, or related health studies. A master's degree in public health or equivalent training is desirable. Candidates should possess at least five years of relevant experience in primary health care, podiatry, public health, data analysis, coaching, and quality improvement. Experience in implementing NCD programs, particularly in hypertension, diabetes, and diabetic foot care, is highly valued. Previous field experience in developing countries, especially in the Pacific region, is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant field such as podiatry, medicine, or public health. A master's degree in public health or equivalent postgraduate training is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in public health issues and practices.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is essential for this position. This experience should encompass work in primary health care settings, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases, data analysis, and quality improvement initiatives. Desirable experience includes direct involvement in NCD program implementation and familiarity with the health care landscape in Pacific countries.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in Pidgin, the official language of the Solomon Islands. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and health workers.

Additional Notes:
The position is based on-site at the WHO Country Office in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The consultant will be contracted for a duration of 11 months, with a remuneration of USD 8,300 per month. This role is critical for the sustainability and institutionalization of NCD management practices in the region, and the consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the NCD coaching and quality improvement initiatives.