Consultant - Capacity Building

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region prioritizes strengthening the health and care workforce to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Within the Data, Strategy and Innovation Group, the Capacity and Leadership (CAL) team implements capacity-building initiatives. The Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN) is a key initiative supporting continuous professional development for health workers in Pacific Island Countries, recently relaunched on the WHO Academy platform.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to support the implementation of an expanded POLHN project in Fiji, funded by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). The project focuses on increasing practical Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) learning for the health workforce. The consultant's primary objective is to strengthen the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) system and course recognition in Fiji, alongside coordinating project activities and engaging stakeholders. This role is crucial for enhancing the competencies of health workers and ensuring the sustainability of learning opportunities within the region, contributing directly to improved health outcomes and the achievement of UHC goals.

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the country-level implementation of the project in Fiji, including drafting technical documents for workshops, needs assessments, fellowship support, and online course development. They will provide on-site support for events, draft mid-term and final project reports, and develop proposals for future funding. A key responsibility is strengthening Fiji's CPD accreditation system by drafting documents outlining CPD requirements and pathways, facilitating consultations with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders on CPD and POLHN course acknowledgement, and submitting a proposal for official recognition of POLHN courses. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate partnerships with member states, academic institutions, professional bodies, and development partners, and support meetings by preparing background documents and documenting outcomes.

Work Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in capacity building, health workforce development, public health, and health policy at national and international levels. Desirable: Experience working with international organizations (preferably WHO) or in multicultural environments, experience in Fiji or Pacific Island Countries regarding capacity building, health workforce, or health policy, and prior experience with Korea Foundation for International Healthcare-supported projects.

Skills

Essential skills include a good understanding of health workforce development and health systems in Fiji, strong writing skills for concept notes, reports, and proposals, and technical and diplomatic skills for stakeholder engagement. The ability to work independently, problem-solve systematically, and collaborate harmoniously in a diverse team is also crucial. Desirable skills include familiarity with POLHN's history and mandate, and knowledge of the Fiji health system and its stakeholders.

Explore related opportunities