National Consultant to Develop Sierra Leone Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP)
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports countries in strengthening health system resilience to climate change, guided by a World Health Assembly Resolution and regional strategies. In Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health (MOH), supported by the World Bank, has developed a Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation report to address potential health impacts and enhance community and health system resilience.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Sierra Leone in developing a Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP). The role will help the health system better understand the impacts of climate change and identify strategies and actions to maintain resilience. The WHO has a long-standing mandate in climate change and health, providing policy and technical support to countries for implementing climate-resilient health systems. This initiative aligns with WHO's global efforts and regional strategies to address environmental determinants of health and support public health responses to climate change, building upon existing vulnerability assessments.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead the development of the Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) in close collaboration with the MOH and WHO. Key responsibilities include conducting stakeholder consultations and literature reviews to produce an inception report with a detailed work plan. This involves engaging with health sector stakeholders and the climate and health technical working group to ensure a common understanding and document discussions. The consultant will review relevant reports, secondary data, and existing literature on climate change impacts on Sierra Leone's health system, as well as national policies and plans. Field visits and further consultations will inform the consolidation of findings and the proposal of adaptation interventions. The consultant will draft the H-NAP report, including a costed action plan, monitoring and evaluation framework, and present draft findings for validation, ultimately finalizing and submitting the report.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 5 years of experience in the climate change and health sector, with proven experience in developing Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) or Health National Adaptation Plans (H-NAP). Experience working with health institutions on climate change adaptation is desirable. Technical knowledge of health linkages with climate change, social and environmental determinants of health, One Health, and Planetary Health is also required.
Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.