Public Health Advisor (Retainer)

Job Description

Dutystation: Home based

Functional responsibilities

1. Technical Advice
2. Tool Development and Implementation
3. Capacity Development and Training
4. Data Management Strategy
5. Reporting and Documentation

• Provide high-quality clinical and public health advice to the program team.
• Provide expert guidance to ensure the Program aligns with best practice in public health, health planning and health system strengthening. Also ensuring alignment with the National Health Service Standards (2021-2030) and NDoH priorities.
• Advise on integration of the tool into existing national health systems, ensuring usability and sustainability.
• Provide strategic advice and suggestions for the ongoing improvement of the assessment tool and methodology, based on feedback from field implementation.
• Contribute to the project team’s broader objectives as required, offering technical insight to support decision-making and learning.

• In close coordination with the Senior Project Manager, develop an agreed overarching work plan to guide inputs throughout the project timeline for the development and implementation of the new Rapid Health Facility Assessment Tool.
• Contribute to the design and refinement of the Rapid Health Facility Assessment Tool, including the development of critical equipment lists.
• Provide technical inputs to ensure usability, feasibility, and sustainability within PNG’s diverse facility contexts.
• Directly support completion of assessments and capacity strengthening in at least 5 provinces (5 on-site field visits).
• Assist with provincial coordination during assessments.
• Provide technical advice on tool improvement and sustainability.
• Provide continuous support to NDoH/PHAs and the Program Team throughout the development and implementation phases of the tool.

• In collaboration with the Capacity Development Specialist and Project Manager, develop and finalise the Capacity Development and Human Resources Strategy for the Assessment.
• Support the development of training content and learning objectives, including inputting public health expertise into the training materials.
• Contribute to planning and the delivery of four regional trainings, which include contributing to training planning, 4x one-week field visits, helping with training coordination, and contributing to post-training reports and support.
• Deliver technical sessions and integrate public health content.

• Provide technical input into the Assessments’ data management strategy, with consideration to existing public health systems in PNG.
• Review the alignment of the Data Management Strategy with public health systems.
• Assist PHAs and NDOH to synthesise, analyse, and use information gathered from the Health Facility Assessments.

• Prepare a final report summarising achievements, consolidated technical findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of the deliverables/outputs by the Public Health Advisor (Retainer) for the Rapid Health Facility Assessment and Capacity Development Program directly impact on the success of the project, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• A minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in public health, health systems/services administration, or any other field related to the functions of the post, from an accredited institution is required.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

• Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in public health or health systems, or related fields.
• Experience working in PNG is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the PNG health system, including facility operations, HR, and infrastructure planning is strongly preferred.
• Experience with field assessments and health information systems is highly desirable.
• Prior experience working with government and development partners is a strong asset.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of Tok Pisin is an advantage.

About the Organization

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.

We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.