National Consultant - Climate Change and Health Institutional Assessment

Purpose of Consultancy

In collaboration with WHO Vanuatu Country Liaison Office, WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support, and the Government of Vanuatu (MoH, Environmental Health Unit and Policy and Planning Unit), the local consultant will provide technical support under the GEF LDCF project “Building resilience of health systems in Pacific Island LDCs to climate change”.

Background

Vanuatu is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising vector‑borne diseases, heat‑related illnesses, respiratory conditions and impacts on food and water security present significant public health risks. The MoH plays a key role in protecting population health but integration of climate‑related risks into national policies remains limited.

Responsibilities

The consultant will:

• Prepare an inception report with a work plan on how to implement activities and achieve deliverables.
• Conduct a baseline assessment of MoH’s structure, policies and legislation related to environmental health and climate change.
• Review and prepare a draft of the updated Environmental Health Strategy of the MoH.
• Facilitate a review workshop and submit the updated strategy for endorsement.
• Produce final assignment report, including the updated strategy.

Deliverables & Outputs

• Inception report with detailed workplan and time‑frame.
• Baseline assessment report with recommendations for integration of climate‑related health risks.
• Draft of the updated Environmental Health Strategy.
• Workshop report.
• Final assignment report.

Qualifications

Educational Background

• Essential: University degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate Change, Health Policy, Public Policy, Health Systems / Health Administration or related fields.
• Desirable: Master’s degree in the same or related fields.

Experience

• Essential: At least 2 years of experience in policy/legislation reviews, institutional capacity assessments, and policy document development.
• Desirable: Proven track record in reviewing and developing policy documents within government or public sector institutions.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Policy analysis and technical report writing related to climate change and health in Pacific Island contexts.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience dealing with government and donor institutions.
• Competence in working within a public sector setting.

Languages

• Essential: Fluency in English and Bislama.

Competencies

• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
• Communicating credibly and effectively.
• Producing results.
• Fostering integration and teamwork.

Location & Travel

The consultant will be based full‑time onsite at WHO Vanuatu Office in Port Vila.

Travel to surrounding outer islands in Vanuatu may be required; arrangements will be made by WHO.

Remuneration

• Monthly remuneration: VUV 679,987.25 – VUV 814,326.25, subject to qualifications and experience.
• Contract duration: 3 months at 100% FTE from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026, subject to completion of selection.

Equal Opportunity

WHO is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process.