International Consultant For Partnerships %26 External Relations Team

Organizational Context

Afghanistan's health sector faces a significant financing transition as major World Bank and ADB projects conclude in 2026, potentially reducing funding by 50-60%. This necessitates strategic decisions on service priorities, coverage, and resource allocation. WHO Afghanistan is actively developing an Investment Case for 2027-2028, conducting gap analyses, and expanding engagement with diverse partners, requiring specialized capacity to sustain essential health services.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to strengthen WHO Afghanistan's preparedness for a projected decline in health sector financing post-2026. The consultant will lead the finalization of the Investment Case 2027-2028, develop strategic funding narratives, and create donor-facing materials. This involves identifying and engaging with new partners, including philanthropic organizations, the private sector, high-net-worth individuals, and diaspora communities. The role also encompasses refining strategic planning and resource prioritization frameworks, facilitating scenario-based planning, and developing recommendations for senior management. Ultimately, the consultant will contribute to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of essential health services in Afghanistan by developing robust financial strategies and fostering diverse partnerships.

Responsibilities

Lead the coordination, drafting, and finalization of the WHO Afghanistan Investment Case 2027-2028, including developing strategic funding narratives and investment priorities. Identify and map prospective non-traditional partners such as philanthropic organizations, private sector entities, high-net-worth individuals, and diaspora communities, and develop tailored engagement materials for them. Refine and implement strategic planning and prioritization frameworks to support annual planning and resource allocation. Update and maintain the WHO Afghanistan Strategic Planning Matrix for 2027, detailing funding requirements, workforce implications, and resource gaps. Facilitate scenario-based planning exercises to assess different funding conditions and their impact on organizational adaptations. Develop recommendations and briefing materials for senior management on funding priorities and preparedness. Provide programmatic and resource mobilization support for cross-cutting priorities and key health areas like RMNCAH and Nutrition, including concept note and proposal development.

Work Experience

Requires 5-10 years of progressive professional experience in resource mobilization, partnerships, external relations, and strategic planning, particularly supporting health or humanitarian programs in fragile settings. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies, including investment cases and funding proposals for diverse partners, is mandatory. Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder strategic planning processes and developing integrated planning and decision-support systems is also required. Familiarity with WHO planning frameworks and systems is desirable.

Skills

Strong strategic planning and analytical skills; experience in prioritization, funding-gap, and scenario-planning; ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder strategic processes and systems design; capacity to translate complex information into high-quality strategic narratives and products; excellent stakeholder engagement skills; deep knowledge of humanitarian and development financing; excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).

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