Surgical Oncology Consultant

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 address global health challenges, including disease outbreaks, health systems strengthening, and health policy development. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to improve health outcomes worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Surgical Oncology Consultant position is designed to enhance surgical oncology services in Afghanistan, addressing the critical need for specialized cancer care in the country. The consultant will assess current surgical oncology services, identify gaps, and develop evidence-based solutions to improve infrastructure, workforce skills, and clinical protocols. The role involves training and mentoring surgical teams, establishing multidisciplinary surgical oncology units, and integrating early detection and patient navigation pathways. The consultant will also support strategic planning and policy development in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and key institutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to cancer control in Afghanistan. This consultancy is crucial for improving survival outcomes for cancer patients through timely and effective surgical interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing surgical oncology services, identifying gaps and challenges, and developing an action plan to address these issues. Key tasks include leading the establishment of quality surgical departments within the National Cancer Control Center and regional hospitals, adopting WHO guidelines for surgical oncology protocols, and advocating for the integration of surgical oncology into the national health strategy. The consultant will also implement rigorous auditing of surgical morbidities and mortalities, ensuring that surgical decisions are made within a multidisciplinary context. Additionally, the consultant will establish a structured training program for young Afghan surgeons, focusing on modern surgical techniques and principles of tumor biology, and develop local guidelines for the surgical treatment of common cancers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or higher in Surgical Oncology. Essential qualifications include 5 to 10 years of clinical experience in surgical oncology services, particularly in low-resource settings, along with international experience. The consultant should have a strong background in training healthcare professionals and establishing multidisciplinary teams, as well as expertise in policy development and stakeholder engagement, especially with cancer centers and networks. Skills in analytical writing, communication, coordination, and report-writing are also required, along with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations for cancer technical packages.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or higher in Surgical Oncology is mandatory for this position. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED) to ensure that their educational background meets the standards set by WHO.

Experience:
The position requires 5 to 10 years of clinical experience in surgical oncology, particularly in low-resource settings. Candidates should have experience in training healthcare professionals and establishing multidisciplinary teams, as well as a strong background in policy development and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for four months, from October 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, with a total of 80 working days at the duty station in Kabul, Afghanistan. There is a possibility of extension based on performance and evolving needs. The consultant will be required to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work and is responsible for fulfilling visa requirements. All travel arrangements will be made by WHO, and the consultant will receive a subsistence allowance during the assignment. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.