National Consultant for HIV Prevention and Treatment

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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will provide essential technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of Vietnam, focusing on evaluating the pilot program for integrated multi-disease viral load testing using point-of-care platforms and implementing long-acting injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This role is crucial as it aligns with WHO guidelines that advocate for the adoption of point-of-care testing to enhance access to HIV and hepatitis testing. The consultant will be instrumental in assessing community acceptability and preferences for LEN (lenacapavir) as PrEP, which is particularly significant given the shift in HIV transmission dynamics in Vietnam. The consultant will also develop training materials and standard operating procedures to facilitate the implementation of these health interventions, thereby contributing to the national strategy to end AIDS by 2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key outputs and deliverables, including: 1) Supporting the Ministry of Health in preparing for the implementation of long-acting injectable PrEP by conducting surveys to assess community needs, preferences, and willingness to pay, and developing communication materials and training resources. Deliverables include training materials on long-acting injectable PrEP and a technical report on community preferences. 2) Conducting an evaluation of the pilot program for integrated multi-disease viral load testing, which involves collecting qualitative data, analyzing it, and preparing a comprehensive evaluation report. 3) Providing ongoing technical assistance to the Vietnam Administration for Disease Prevention, participating in technical meetings, and contributing to programmatic discussions. Deliverables include reports on technical support and a final technical report on the implementation of required tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from a recognized institution and an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in public health, epidemiology, or medicine. A PhD in these areas is desirable. Essential work experience includes at least 10 years in HIV prevention and/or treatment, with demonstrated expertise in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and experience in project implementation and evaluation. Familiarity with working alongside the Ministry of Health and other national stakeholders is also required. Strong knowledge of WHO guidelines on HIV testing, prevention, and treatment is essential, along with excellent stakeholder engagement and report writing skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree from a recognized institution, with an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in public health, epidemiology, or medicine being essential. The organization emphasizes the importance of accredited educational qualifications, as only degrees from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) will be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in HIV prevention and/or treatment. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and experience in project implementation and evaluation. Experience working with the Ministry of Health and engaging with communities and stakeholders is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong writing and communication skills being essential for the role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 9 months, from April to December 2026, with a remuneration of US$2,500 per month. The consultant will be based in the WHO Vietnam office and may be required to travel to selected provinces as necessary. All travel arrangements will be managed by WHO, and the consultant will receive a subsistence allowance while on mission. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must adhere to WHO's ethical standards and are required to confirm vaccination status as part of the recruitment process.