International Consultant for Health Care Workers Training

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of belonging and growth in a diverse environment. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it actively engages in various initiatives to support children's health and well-being globally.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will provide high-level technical assistance and national coordination for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of capacity-building initiatives for health care workers (HCWs) and Village Health Assistants (VHAs) in Papua New Guinea. The consultant will focus on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), immunization, and HIV prevention strategies, addressing significant challenges such as high maternal and child mortality rates and low immunization coverage. The role involves ensuring the establishment of a functional training database, robust monitoring of training quality and impact, and conducting regular evaluations of competencies and practice changes among health workers. The consultant will work closely with the National Department of Health (NDOH) and other partners to harmonize training efforts and improve health service delivery across the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining a comprehensive training database for HCWs and VHAs, which includes tracking participants, training types, and outcomes. They will build dashboards to visualize training coverage and competency gains, standardize knowledge tests and mentorship tools, and conduct joint supervision with UNICEF provincial consultants. The consultant will also review and harmonize training materials to align with national guidelines and WHO recommendations, produce regular reports on training coverage and impact, and actively participate in relevant meetings at national and subnational levels. Additionally, the consultant will coordinate various MNCH, Immunization, and HIV/AIDS training sessions and analyze pre-test and post-test results to assess training effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in medical science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of international experience in MNCH, Immunization, and/or HIV programs is required, with proven experience in national-level training coordination. The consultant should have experience in designing and managing training databases and monitoring and evaluation systems, particularly in fragile or resource-limited settings. Excellent coordination, facilitation, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to travel to remote areas. Additional technical knowledge in maternal and child health, infectious diseases, health policy, and health education is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, specifically a Master’s or higher, in fields such as medical science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Pediatrics, or Obstetrics and Gynecology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health care systems and the specific challenges faced in maternal and child health, immunization, and HIV prevention.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 8 years of international experience in relevant fields, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), immunization, and HIV programs. Experience should include national-level training coordination and familiarity with the operations of UN agencies, Ministries of Health, or global health initiatives. The consultant should also have a track record of working in fragile or resource-limited settings, demonstrating the ability to adapt strategies to local contexts.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the role and the need for effective communication with various stakeholders. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly mentioned as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term consultancy assignment, with a timeline from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 202

• It does not lead to a long-term permanent position within UNICEF. Applicants are required to submit 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 and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. They will be responsible for their tax liabilities according to local laws. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization adheres to strict child safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.