International Consultant - Assistive Technology

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to advance rehabilitation and assistive technology within the Division of Pacific Technical Support. This role will provide technical guidance and oversight for policies, strategies, procurement, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and service development, particularly in vision, hearing, and mobility. The position supports coordination across Pacific Island countries, focusing on inclusive health systems and assistive technology.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to strengthen assistive technology (AT) and rehabilitation services across Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by providing expert technical guidance. The role will support the development and implementation of innovative policies, strategies, and service delivery models, with a focus on vision, hearing, and mobility. Key contributions include enhancing stakeholder engagement, advocating for AT integration into universal health coverage, and coordinating activities to ensure equitable access to essential AT products. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes, inclusion, and participation for persons with functional limitations, aligning with regional and global development goals and strengthening overall health system resilience in the Pacific context.

Responsibilities

Develop country-specific workplans for rehabilitation, vision, and hearing services, including progress reports. Establish national governance mechanisms for assistive technology and related services in collaboration with country focal points. Create procurement lists for hearing and mobility aids based on Pacific needs. Draft policy briefs and recommendations to advance rehabilitation and hearing services. Support research activities and disseminate WHO guidance for capacity building and knowledge sharing. Produce monitoring and evaluation reports with actionable recommendations. Facilitate partner coordination and engagement with implementing agencies, development partners, and regional/national organizations. Provide specialist technical guidance notes for rehabilitation, vision, and hearing services. Prepare summary reports on technical support provided to PICs, including ATscale project activities, to enhance service delivery.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in health system strengthening, focusing on rehabilitation, vision, and/or hearing services. Experience in policy/strategy development, workforce development, service delivery, and health product procurement is required. Demonstrated experience in implementing multi-partner health programs. Desirable: Experience engaging with service and product users, including through organizations of persons with disabilities.

Skills

Technical knowledge in public health and assistive technology. Skills in policy and program development, health systems strengthening, and health service delivery. Excellent analytical and writing skills. Experience working with ministries of health, WHO/UN agencies, regional organizations, and development partners. Experience in Pacific Island Countries or similar contexts.

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