SSA - Climate Change And Health Project Officer (HNAP Implementation)

Organizational Context

Vanuatu is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, which pose significant risks to public health. The Pacific Climate and Health Resilience Package (PCHRP), funded by the Australian Government, supports Pacific Island Countries in strengthening climate-resilient health systems. WHO is partnering with Vanuatu to implement its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) and align it with national adaptation processes.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical and coordination support to the Vanuatu Ministry of Health for the operationalization and implementation of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). The Project Officer will strengthen monitoring and implementation systems, facilitate alignment with national climate adaptation processes, and support the mainstreaming of climate and health priorities into health sector planning, policies, and programmes. The position aims to enhance climate resilience within Vanuatu's health system through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WHO, government stakeholders, regional partners, and development agencies.

Responsibilities

Support the coordination of Pacific Climate and Health Resilience Package (PCHRP) activities in Vanuatu, including work planning and reporting. Facilitate the operationalization and implementation of the Vanuatu Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) through planning, coordination meetings, and progress monitoring. Assist in identifying implementation barriers and developing recommendations. Ensure alignment of HNAP priorities with national adaptation planning processes and climate policy frameworks. Strengthen institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms for climate and health action within the Ministry of Health. Liaise with government ministries, development partners, and civil society. Support the mainstreaming of climate and health priorities into health sector policies and programmes. Organize consultations and workshops. Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in public health, climate change, environmental health, health systems strengthening, or health policy. Experience supporting government programmes/projects, report writing, stakeholder coordination, and technical documentation. Desirable: Experience in climate change and health programmes, adaptation planning, or environmental health initiatives; familiarity with HNAPs, NAPs, or climate policy frameworks; experience in monitoring and evaluation or policy mainstreaming; experience with WHO, UN agencies, or development partners.

Skills

Sound understanding of climate change and health linkages; knowledge of health systems strengthening and policy processes; strong coordination, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills; analytical, report writing, and communication skills; ability to support implementation planning and monitoring; ability to work independently and collaboratively; proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to travel domestically. Knowledge of WHO mandate or UN agencies is an asset.

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