National Consultant - Neglected Tropical Diseases

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, and it works with countries to strengthen their health systems and improve health outcomes.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) will provide operational and technical support to enhance regional and country capacities for the management, prevention, control, and elimination of priority NTDs in the Philippines. The consultant will focus on diseases such as Lymphatic Filariasis, Leprosy, Rabies, Food-Borne Trematodes, Schistosomiasis, Yaws, and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis. The role involves supporting the Department of Health in monitoring and evaluation, strategic data usage, and collaboration across sectors to accelerate the control and elimination of these diseases through integrated and primary health care-based approaches. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local health units, and academic institutions, to implement high-impact interventions and ensure alignment with WHO's NTD Road Map 2021–2030 and the Philippines' Multi-Diseases Elimination Plan 2024-2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key outputs: 1) Developing a national roadmap for ending priority NTDs in the Philippines, ensuring alignment with global and national strategic guidance. 2) Strengthening NTD control and elimination programs through intensified and integrated implementation, particularly focusing on cross-sectoral integration and alignment with Universal Health Coverage. 3) Providing tailored support to the Department of Health and partners for priority NTD interventions, including Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis and active case detection for leprosy. 4) Enhancing knowledge management, communication, documentation, and evidence generation related to NTDs by collaborating with technical units within WHO and other partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in science or medicine, along with a postgraduate degree at the master’s level in public health, tropical medicine, epidemiology, medical parasitology, or entomology from a recognized university. Essential qualifications include a thorough understanding of tropical diseases and their control/elimination, skills in health situation analysis, strategic thinking, program management, and evaluation. The ability to travel and work in remote field conditions is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as science or medicine, complemented by a master's degree in public health or related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health challenges, particularly in the context of neglected tropical diseases.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in public health disease control program activities, with at least three years focused on vector-borne diseases control and/or research at the international level. This experience is essential for effectively addressing the challenges associated with NTDs and implementing successful control strategies.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Tagalog is mandatory for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based on-site at the World Health Organization, Country Office Philippines, located in Manila. The expected duration of the contract is 11 months, from October 2026 to September 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability. The remuneration for this position ranges from Php 240,000 to Php 300,000 monthly, excluding travel costs. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards. Furthermore, WHO requires proof of vaccination as a condition for undertaking assignments.