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

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Vanuatu is implementing the Pacific Climate and Health Resilience Package (PCHRP), funded by the Australian Government. This initiative supports Vanuatu in strengthening its climate-resilient and equitable health systems by enhancing the implementation of its Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). The role is embedded within the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

Job Purpose

This role serves to provide crucial technical and coordination support to the Vanuatu Ministry of Health for the effective operationalization and implementation of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP). The Project Officer will facilitate the coordination of climate and health activities, strengthen monitoring and implementation systems, and ensure the alignment of HNAP priorities with broader national adaptation processes. By supporting the mainstreaming of climate and health considerations into health sector planning, policies, and programs, the role contributes significantly to building more climate-resilient health systems in Vanuatu, ultimately protecting public health from the impacts of climate change.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the coordination of PCHRP project activities in Vanuatu, contributing to work plans, progress reports, and documentation. The role involves facilitating the implementation planning, coordination meetings, monitoring, and reporting for the Vanuatu HNAP. It also includes identifying implementation barriers and gaps, developing recommendations, and ensuring HNAP priorities align with national adaptation planning processes and climate policy frameworks. The Project Officer will support the Ministry of Health in strengthening institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms for climate and health, liaising with various government ministries, development partners, and regional stakeholders. Additionally, the role supports the mainstreaming of climate and health priorities into health sector policies and plans, facilitates consultations and workshops, and assists in knowledge management and reporting on climate and health initiatives.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in public health, climate change, environmental health, health systems strengthening, or health policy. Experience in supporting government program coordination and implementation, report writing, and stakeholder coordination is required. Desirable: Experience with climate change and health programs, adaptation planning, or environmental health initiatives; familiarity with HNAPs or NAP processes; experience in monitoring and evaluation or policy mainstreaming; and experience with WHO, UN agencies, or development partners.

Skills

Strong coordination, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Proficient analytical, report writing, and communication abilities. Capacity to support implementation planning, monitoring, and tracking. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Competency in Microsoft Office Suite. Understanding of climate change and health linkages and climate-resilient health systems is desirable.

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