International Consultant - Climate-Resilient Health Infrastructure

Job Posting Organization:
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in the Solomon Islands is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of its population. The organization focuses on strategic initiatives that align with the National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2022–2031, which emphasizes the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges. The MHMS collaborates with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen the resilience of the national health system and ensure universal health coverage. The organization operates within a framework that addresses various climate and disaster risks, aiming to improve healthcare service delivery across the country.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant for Climate-Resilient Health Infrastructure will play a crucial role in enhancing the climate resilience of healthcare facilities in the Solomon Islands. This position involves providing high-level technical support in resource planning, logistics coordination, and supply chain management to facilitate the retrofitting of healthcare facilities. The consultant will also be responsible for developing contingency plans that align with climate resilience goals, ensuring that essential health services can continue during climate-related hazards. Additionally, the consultant will focus on capacity building for healthcare workers and community stakeholders, promoting long-term sustainability and local ownership of resilience measures. The overarching goal is to contribute to the Safe, Green, and Climate-Proof Healthcare Facility Initiative, supporting the Solomon Islands in developing climate-adaptive health systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will work under the direction of the WHO Technical Officer for Health Emergencies and closely with the Project Officer for Climate Change and Health. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing comprehensive resource allocation strategies for healthcare facilities, including supply chain management systems and procurement protocols.
• Conducting assessments of healthcare facilities to evaluate their structural integrity and climate vulnerability.
• Supporting the development of risk-informed supply chain management guides tailored for remote islands.
• Facilitating contingency planning and capacity building efforts, including training for facility staff on emergency logistics and supply chain tools.
• Leading technical assessments for climate-resilient retrofitting, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive evaluations.
• Developing a Climate-Resilient Equipment and Infrastructure Asset Management Framework to optimize healthcare service delivery and supply chain performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent in business administration, management, or a related field focused on procurement, logistics, transport, or supply chain management. A minimum of 10 years of experience in international logistics and supply chain management is essential, with proven expertise in emergency response coordination and medical equipment deployment in resource-constrained environments. Candidates should have extensive experience integrating supply chain considerations into infrastructure planning and biomedical systems design. Desirable qualifications include experience with ERP systems such as Odoo, Power BI, and Studio Looker, as well as a strong background in capacity building and stakeholder coordination across diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree or equivalent in business administration, management, or a related field is required, particularly with a focus on procurement, logistics, transport, or supply chain management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of supply chain logistics and the operational needs of healthcare facilities in the context of climate resilience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in international logistics and supply chain management. Candidates should have a proven track record in emergency response coordination and medical equipment deployment, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Experience in integrating supply chain considerations into infrastructure planning and biomedical systems design is also critical. Additionally, prior experience in climate-resilient infrastructure or humanitarian operations, as well as healthcare facility development, is preferred.

Languages:
A high level of written and spoken proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication, documentation, and collaboration with various stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based onsite at the WHO Country Office in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The contract duration is for 11 months, with a remuneration of USD 9,000 per month. The consultant is expected to travel to priority provinces as specified in the activity requirements, ensuring that the project objectives are met effectively.