National Consultant to Develop Sierra Leone Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively engaged in the intersection of climate change and health for over two decades. Established to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations, WHO operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to improving global health standards. The organization is guided by various resolutions and strategies aimed at addressing environmental determinants of health, including the World Health Assembly Resolution (61.19) and a regional strategy for environmental health. WHO's work includes raising awareness, generating scientific evidence, and providing policy and technical support to countries in their public health responses to climate change.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Sierra Leone in developing a Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP). This plan aims to enhance the resilience of the health system against the impacts of climate change. The consultant will be responsible for conducting consultations with key stakeholders, reviewing existing literature, and preparing an inception report that outlines the methodology and work plan for the project. The consultant will also conduct field visits to assess health infrastructure vulnerabilities and lead multi-sectoral consultations to consolidate findings and propose interventions. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive H-NAP report that includes a costed action plan and monitoring and evaluation framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks: 1) Conduct consultations with stakeholders in the health sector to ensure a common understanding of climate and health issues, and prepare an inception report with a detailed work plan. 2) Perform field visits to selected health facilities to assess vulnerabilities and gather data on health infrastructure. 3) Lead consultations to consolidate findings and propose interventions to adapt the health system to climate change impacts. 4) Draft the Health National Adaptation Plan report, incorporating stakeholder feedback and ensuring it meets WHO quality criteria. 5) Present the draft report to relevant stakeholders and finalize the document based on feedback received. 6) Develop a costed action plan and monitoring framework for the health system.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health/Sciences, Climate Science, or a related field. Additional postgraduate qualifications in these areas are desirable. Candidates should have relevant professional experience in public health, environmental health, or climate science, and familiarity with national and international policies related to climate and health. Proof of similar work done is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Health/Sciences, Climate Science, or an equivalent qualification. Additional postgraduate qualifications in related fields are considered an asset. Relevant professional experience in public health, environmental health, or climate science is also required.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in the climate change and health sector, particularly in roles related to vulnerability and adaptation assessments or Health National Adaptation Plans. Experience working with health institutions on climate change adaptations is desirable, as is technical knowledge of health linkages with climate change and social determinants of health. Experience in preparing technical documents for UN organizations or international institutions is also beneficial.

Languages:
Working proficiency in English is mandatory, including strong written, presentation, and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 3 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 11 months per calendar year. The consultant will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and will be required to travel locally as needed. Remuneration will be based on the applicable fees as per the World Health Organization's consultant scale at NOC level. Travel costs are excluded from the remuneration package.