Consultant for Capacity Building of Healthcare Workers

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 and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity, aiming to achieve universal health coverage and improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical and operational support for capacity building of healthcare workers in Fiji through the Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) online-based learning initiative. This role is crucial in addressing the evolving demands of health and care workforce development in the Western Pacific Region. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Technical Officer in the Capacity and Leadership Strengthening unit, collaborating with the WHO Representative Office in the South Pacific. The primary objective is to enhance the competencies of health workers, managers, and policymakers, thereby contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The consultant will be involved in various components of the project, including conducting consultation workshops, needs assessments, developing online courses, and strengthening the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Fiji.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support country-level implementation of the project in Fiji by drafting technical documents for planning, implementing, and monitoring key activities such as consultation workshops, needs assessments, fellowship support, and online course development.
• Provide on-site support in convening relevant events in Fiji.
• Draft mid-term and final project reports for submission to the donor and for internal monitoring purposes.
• Develop proposals for future funding based on findings from the project's implementation.
• Support the strengthening of the CPD accreditation system in Fiji by drafting documents outlining CPD requirements and pathways for different health professionals.
• Facilitate consultations with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and relevant stakeholders regarding CPD and POLHN course recognition.
• Submit detailed proposals and implementation plans to facilitate the official recognition of POLHN courses as CPD requirements in Fiji.
• Establish partnerships with Member States, academic institutions, professional bodies, and development partners for project implementation.
• Prepare background documents for meetings, facilitate on-site sessions and consultations, and document follow-up actions and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first university degree in public health, public policy, social science, or a related field from a recognized university. Desirable qualifications include training in capacity development, health workforce management, and health program and policy development. Candidates should possess strong writing skills for developing concept notes, reports, and donor proposals, as well as technical and diplomatic skills to engage with various stakeholders effectively. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential, along with a good understanding of health workforce development and health systems issues in Fiji.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a first university degree in public health, public policy, social science, or a related field from an accredited institution. Additional training in capacity development and health workforce management is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the consultancy role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in capacity building, health workforce development, public health, and health policy at both national and international levels. Experience working with international organizations, particularly WHO, and familiarity with Fiji and Pacific Island Countries in terms of capacity building and health policy is highly desirable. Previous experience with projects supported by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare is also beneficial.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 5.5 months, from July 1 to December 15, 2026, with a remuneration of USD 7200 per month. The consultant will be required to travel within Fiji as necessary to fulfill the deliverables of the Terms of Reference (TOR). The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking the assignment, and WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abusive conduct.