Provincial Health Support Officers (Consultants)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that works in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. The organization is known for its passionate culture and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. With a workforce that includes thousands of employees, UNICEF operates in various regions, addressing critical issues such as health, education, and protection for children.

Job Overview:
The Provincial Health Support Officers (Consultants) will play a crucial role in supporting the Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) in Papua New Guinea to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and Village Health Assistants (VHAs). This position is vital in addressing the significant health challenges faced by the country, particularly in improving maternal, infant, and child health outcomes. The consultants will work closely with PHAs and District Health Authorities (DHAs) to plan, coordinate, and monitor the upskilling of healthcare workers and VHAs. They will facilitate skills development workshops, support the use of digital learning platforms for training, and ensure the successful implementation of training programs. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCAH) issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Collaborate with PHAs and DHAs to support the planning, coordination, and monitoring of healthcare worker and VHA upskilling initiatives. 2) Conduct skills development workshops at provincial and district levels. 3) Identify healthcare workers and VHAs for training in clinical modules along the RMNCAH continuum of care. 4) Utilize digital learning platforms for the upskilling of healthcare workers. 5) Coordinate logistics for training sessions and support training teams in conducting effective training programs. 6) Participate in joint monitoring visits with NDOH and partners to ensure training quality. 7) Engage in advocacy, networking, and partnership building to facilitate successful upskilling efforts. 8) Develop and utilize training manuals, tools, and supervisory resources. 9) Ensure strong coordination with World Bank CNSP and IMPACT Health projects and other DFAT-supported activities. 10) Promote innovation, documentation, and knowledge management within the training framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification in RMNCAH or a related discipline is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in training and capacity building within the health sector, particularly focusing on RMNCAH. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with proficiency in training methodologies and tools. In-depth knowledge of RMNCAH issues, national health policies, and international guidelines is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification in RMNCAH or a related discipline is highly preferred, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in maternal and child health care.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the health sector, specifically in training and capacity building related to RMNCAH. This experience should include working with healthcare providers and community health workers to enhance their skills and knowledge in delivering quality health services.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another local language from the province where the candidate is applying is considered an asset, as it can facilitate better communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term consultancy assignment, running from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, for a duration of 12 months. Candidates must be nationals of Papua New Guinea and preferably from the same province where the position is located. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and performance evaluations, along with a financial proposal detailing consultancy fees, local transportation, and other costs. It is important to note that individuals engaged under this consultancy will not be considered staff members under UNICEF's regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all candidates to apply, regardless of gender, nationality, or background.