Public Health Advisor (Retainer)

Organization: UNOPS – South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)
Location: Home-based (Papua New Guinea Program)
Contract Type: International ICA (Retainer)
Level: IICA-3 / ICS-11
Duration: 21 months (with possible extension)
Application Deadline: 24 October 2025 (Midnight Copenhagen Time – CET)
Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5524/30812

Introduction

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is recruiting a Public Health Advisor (Retainer) to provide technical expertise and strategic guidance for the Rapid Health Facility Assessment and Capacity Development Program in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aims to strengthen the PNG health system through improved infrastructure assessment, data-driven planning, and enhanced service delivery at national and provincial levels.

About UNOPS and EAPMCO

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) supports over 24 countries with projects focused on energy transition, health, climate resilience, governance, and infrastructure. Headquartered in Bangkok, EAPMCO manages portfolios across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Pacific, China, and Papua New Guinea.

UNOPS has been operational in Papua New Guinea since 2020, delivering projects that enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen public systems, and build institutional capacity. The PNG office works closely with the government and development partners to deliver sustainable, high-impact results for communities.

Project Background

The Rapid Health Facility Assessment is a national initiative aligned with the National Health Service Standards (2021–2030). It provides structured insights into the status of health facilities, enabling evidence-based investment and planning.

Key objectives include:

Developing standardized health facility assessment tools (levels 1–5).
Strengthening the capacity of Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs).
Building national and subnational capacity for routine health facility assessments.
Enhancing data analysis, reporting, and decision-making systems.
Improving accountability and service delivery through evidence-based health planning.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Advice

Provide expert clinical and public health guidance to ensure alignment with national health priorities and international standards.
Advise on integration of the assessment tool into existing health systems to ensure sustainability and usability.
Offer strategic recommendations for continuous improvement of the tool and related methodologies.
Support project decision-making through high-level technical insights and public health analysis.

2. Tool Development and Implementation

Work closely with the Senior Project Manager and national counterparts to refine the Rapid Health Facility Assessment Tool.
Contribute to the design and implementation of facility assessment frameworks, including development of critical equipment and infrastructure lists.
Conduct field support in at least five provinces, providing technical assistance during assessments and provincial coordination.
Ensure tool feasibility and adaptability across PNG’s diverse facility contexts.

3. Capacity Development and Training

Collaborate with the Capacity Building Specialist to develop the Capacity Development and Human Resources Strategy.
Contribute to the design of training materials and learning objectives integrating public health content.
Co-facilitate four regional training workshops across PNG (one-week sessions each), focusing on health systems strengthening, standards, and data use.
Support post-training mentorship, reporting, and follow-up activities.

4. Data Management Strategy

Provide technical inputs to the design and rollout of the Data Management Strategy, ensuring alignment with existing public health data systems.
Guide PHAs and the National Department of Health (NDoH) on synthesizing and applying data from facility assessments to strengthen planning and decision-making.

5. Reporting and Documentation

Produce technical reports summarizing field findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for tool improvement and sustainability.
Prepare a final report highlighting public health outcomes, capacity gains, and strategic recommendations for long-term adoption.

Qualifications / Requirements

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Medicine, Health Systems Management, Epidemiology, or a related field.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of professional experience in public health system strengthening, health facility assessments, or related areas.
Proven experience in developing and implementing health assessment tools and standards.
Demonstrated experience in capacity building, training delivery, and data-driven health system planning.
Experience working with government health agencies or international organizations in low- or middle-income countries (Pacific region experience preferred).

Skills:

Strong technical understanding of public health systems, infrastructure standards, and service delivery in developing contexts.
Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and provide actionable policy advice.
Strong report-writing and presentation skills.

Languages:

Fluency in English required.
Knowledge of Tok Pisin or other Pacific languages is an asset.

Contract Details

Type: Retainer (intermittent assignments as required; no guaranteed minimum days).
Duration: 21 months, renewable based on performance and funding.
Duty Station: Home-based, with travel to Papua New Guinea for in-person trainings and field visits.

How to Apply

Apply via the UNOPS Careers Portal before 24 October 2025 (Midnight CET).
Late applications will not be accepted.

UNOPS does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.unops.org.