Communicable Disease Specialist
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Papua New Guinea aims to strengthen national communicable disease programs, focusing on TB, HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis. This role supports the National Department of Health in developing and implementing strategies, guidelines, and training materials. It involves capacity building, proposal assistance, project implementation, monitoring, and collaboration with partners to reduce disease transmission.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to provide essential technical support to the WHO office in Papua New Guinea, specifically focusing on communicable diseases. The specialist will contribute to strengthening national programs for tuberculosis (including drug-resistant TB), HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis prevention and control. This involves developing comprehensive national plans, technical guidelines, and implementation tools aligned with global and regional strategies. The role is crucial for reducing disease transmission by enhancing the capacity of national programs, supporting project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and ensuring effective collaboration with national and international partners. The specialist will also advise on operational research and ensure regular sharing of progress information with all stakeholders, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes in Papua New Guinea.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support for communicable disease control programs, ensuring efficient and effective activities through primary healthcare. Develop and implement action plans for high-risk groups and environments, recommending specific interventions. Contribute to national strategies and policies by offering expert advice on improving health systems for communicable disease prevention and care. Research, compile, and evaluate data on communicable disease outbreaks, identifying sources and recommending appropriate responses and preventative measures. Enhance and innovate information systems for communicable diseases and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) monitoring. Serve as a technical resource for the public on communicable diseases, responding to inquiries and providing detailed information. Develop and conduct community outreach activities for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including presentations and informational material distribution. Liaise with national counterparts, donors, and international partners to harmonize strategies and resolve issues. Ensure quality assurance of contractual engagements and provide recommendations for WHO support. Participate as a resource person in training programs for capacity building. Represent WHO at meetings when delegated. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in communicable diseases, with a focus on tuberculosis (including drug-resistance), HIV, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis surveillance, prevention, and care. Proven international exposure and experience in developing national strategies and action plans are required. Experience working at country or regional levels, providing technical advice to national counterparts and partners, is essential. Desirable: Experience in preparing and implementing Global Fund grant proposals, including monitoring and evaluation in developing countries.
Skills
In-depth knowledge of communicable diseases in the country, including needs, priorities, and policies, alongside WHO guidelines. Ability to identify issues, formulate recommendations, and review/revise program objectives. Expertise in health and safety regulations and technical aspects of the specialty. Proficiency in public speaking, drafting, and communication. Commitment to gender equality. Ability to lead and manage teams, develop innovative solutions, and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in diverse settings. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Expert knowledge of English.