WHO Consultant/Lead Development of GC8 Funding Request

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 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 encompasses a wide range of health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, with a focus on achieving universal health coverage and health equity.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Consultant/Lead Development of GC8 Funding Request involves leading the development and finalization of a comprehensive, technically sound, evidence-based, and submission-ready funding request for the Global Fund's GC8 Middle East Response (MER). This role is crucial as it aims to secure funding for essential health interventions targeting HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and resilient and sustainable health systems across multiple countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Regional Advisor CSL, to ensure that the funding request aligns with the Global Fund's strategic shifts and addresses the pressing health needs in the region. The consultant will also facilitate multi-country stakeholder consultations and coordinate the integration of epidemiological, programmatic, financial, and strategic analyses into the funding request. The planned timeline for this consultancy spans from October 15, 2026, to April 30, 2027, with a total of 50 working days allocated for the completion of the tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the overall development and coordination of the MER GC8 funding request process. Key duties include facilitating inclusive multi-country stakeholder consultations, developing an integrated funding request for HIV, TB, malaria, and resilient and sustainable health systems, and ensuring compliance with Global Fund guidance and technical requirements. The consultant will also support the prioritization of investments, develop health products management and procurement packages, and ensure the submission-ready status of the funding request package. Specific deliverables include consolidating country priorities and strategic directions, drafting the funding request narrative, conducting funding landscape analyses, developing budget packages, and coordinating stakeholder consultations to ensure alignment with Global Fund requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, International Health, Health Policy, or a related health discipline. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public health, health systems strengthening, integrated service delivery, and disease control programs. Demonstrated experience in developing Global Fund funding requests and grant proposals, particularly in the context of multi-country or regional grants, is required. Familiarity with HIV, TB, malaria, and resilient and sustainable health systems programming is also essential. Desirable qualifications include previous experience supporting the Middle East Response grant and familiarity with humanitarian and conflict-affected settings.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in public health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, International Health, Health Policy, or another relevant health-related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is critical as it provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of public health challenges in the Middle East region.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public health, health systems strengthening, integrated service delivery, and disease control programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing Global Fund funding requests, grant proposals, and strategic plans, particularly in multi-country or regional contexts. Experience in HIV, TB, malaria, and resilient and sustainable health systems programming is essential, as is familiarity with the operational challenges faced in humanitarian and conflict-affected settings.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the regional context effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will primarily work remotely from their place of residence, coordinating with WHO EMRO, WHO country offices, IOM/PMU, national programs, and partners. Travel may be required as outlined in the job description. The selected consultant must provide a medical certificate of fitness for work and will receive a subsistence allowance while on mission. The consultancy is expected to adhere to WHO's established rates for remuneration, and candidates may be included in a roster for future contractual engagements. Applications from women and nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged, and WHO is committed to workforce diversity.