Climate Change and Health Project Officer (HNAP Implementation)

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 has a mission 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 address global health challenges, including climate change and its impact on health systems. The organization is committed to ensuring that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Pacific Islands, where climate change poses significant risks to public health.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change and Health Project Officer (HNAP Implementation) will play a crucial role in supporting the Vanuatu Ministry of Health in the operationalization and implementation of the Vanuatu Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). This position is vital in addressing the intersection of climate change and health, particularly in a country like Vanuatu, which is highly vulnerable to climate impacts. The incumbent will provide technical and coordination support to ensure that climate and health activities are effectively integrated into health sector planning and policies. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries, regional partners, and development agencies, to strengthen climate-resilient health systems. The officer will be responsible for facilitating alignment with national adaptation processes and ensuring that health priorities are mainstreamed into broader climate policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Climate Change and Health Project Officer include:

• Supporting the coordination of the Pacific Climate and Health Resilience Package (PCHRP) project activities in Vanuatu, including preparation of workplans, progress reports, and other documentation required by WHO and the Ministry of Health.
• Assisting in the operationalization of the Vanuatu HNAP, facilitating implementation planning, coordination meetings, and monitoring progress.
• Identifying barriers and gaps in HNAP implementation and developing practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
• Facilitating the integration of HNAP priorities with national adaptation planning processes, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
• Strengthening institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms related to climate change and health within the Ministry of Health.
• Liaising with government ministries, provincial authorities, development partners, and civil society organizations involved in climate and health activities.
• Supporting the mainstreaming of climate and health priorities into health policies, strategies, and operational plans.
• Organizing and facilitating consultations, workshops, and technical discussions related to climate and health.
• Documenting and disseminating lessons learned and best practices from climate and health initiatives. 1
• Supporting climate and health-related assessments and policy reviews under the PCHRP Activity 3 support package. 1
• Undertaking other duties as agreed upon with WHO and the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Climate Change and Health Project Officer position include:

• A university degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate Change, Environmental Management, Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification or advanced degree (master’s) in a relevant field is desirable.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in public health, climate change, environmental health, health systems strengthening, or health policy.
• Experience in coordinating and implementing government programs or projects, as well as in report writing and stakeholder coordination.
• Familiarity with climate change and health programs, adaptation planning, or environmental health initiatives is desirable.
• Experience working with WHO, UN agencies, or development partners is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• Essential: A university degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate Change, Environmental Management, Health Policy, Health Systems, or Development Studies.
• Desirable: A postgraduate qualification or advanced degree (master’s) in Public Health, Climate Change and Health, Environmental Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, or a related field.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes:

• Essential: At least five years of relevant professional experience in public health, climate change, environmental health, health systems strengthening, or health policy.
• Experience in supporting the coordination and implementation of government programs or projects.
• Experience in report writing, stakeholder coordination, and technical documentation.
• Desirable: Experience working on climate change and health programs, adaptation planning, or environmental health initiatives, as well as familiarity with Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is fluency in English. Knowledge of Bislama and/or French is considered an asset and would be beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a salary range starting from VT 209,167 to VT 258,500 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. The initial contract duration is 11 months, with the possibility of extension. This role is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by Vanuatu nationals or individuals residing in the local commuting area of the duty station. Candidates facing technical issues with the application portal can submit their applications via email. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must adhere to WHO's ethical standards and may be subject to background verification.