National Consultant - School Health Services
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is focused on strengthening school health services. This initiative aligns with the National Programme on School Health for 2026–2035, aiming to ensure educational institutions can provide essential health care, first aid, and emergency response. The role supports the assessment and development of a minimum package of equipment and medicines for school health units.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the WHO Representative Office in Viet Nam and the Ministry of Health in assessing the current status of school health equipment and medicines within educational institutions. The role involves developing recommendations for a minimum package of essential equipment and medicines. This package must be aligned with the defined functions, service scope, available personnel competencies, expected clinical situations, and referral arrangements for school health units in Viet Nam. The consultancy will contribute to the effective implementation of the National Programme on School Health, ensuring that schools are adequately equipped to provide basic health care and emergency response, thereby promoting the health, wellbeing, and learning outcomes of children and adolescents.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of national policies, regulations, and technical guidance related to school health and essential medicines. This includes assessing the functions, service scope, and available personnel competencies of school health units, as well as identifying health conditions and referral arrangements. The role involves evaluating the availability, adequacy, use, and safe management of medicines and equipment in educational institutions, covering aspects like procurement, storage, expiry management, and maintenance. Based on this assessment, the consultant will develop a recommended minimum package of medicines and equipment, tailored for different educational levels, and define requirements for their safe and appropriate use. This includes creating a setting-specific medicines list consistent with national guidelines and WHO recommendations. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations, present findings, and finalize the technical document.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in school health, child health, public health, or health systems, with demonstrated experience in conducting technical assessments and policy development. Desirable: Understanding of Viet Nam's health system, school health services, and relevant policy frameworks; experience with WHO or other international organizations.
Skills
Strong analytical and technical writing skills; experience in policy reviews and technical assessments; knowledge of essential medicines and medical equipment for primary care settings; understanding of safe procurement, storage, and management of supplies; excellent communication and stakeholder consultation skills; ability to work independently and meet deadlines.