Health Program and Promotion Officer (HPPO) in Enga province in Papua New Guinea, 10 months consultancy

UNICEF Papua New Guinea is seeking to engage 1 consultant in Enga province. This consultant will support and reinforce the capacity of the provincial Health Authority PHA to develop and implement a robust social and behaviour change communication plan towards increasing demand and uptake for Routine Immunization as well as promotion of health seeking behaviours.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child Health

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? 

Background

The PNG National Health Plan, National Immunization and ACSM strategy and UNICEF new Country Programme (2024-2028) aim to strengthen basic, quality social services and building public trust and use of the services in maternal and newborn health, immunization and nutrition.

With a view to reaching to zero-dose children and missed communities to ensure equitable access to immunization and health services in the hard-to-reach areas, UNICEF programme aims to support the provincial health authorities to identify and address barriers and improve access to immunization and health services.  To that end, UNICEF is deploying health promotion consultants to support Provincial Health Authorities PHA in the development, implementation, monitoring and supervision of demand generation and vaccine stock management.

SCOPE OF WORK/OBJECTIVES

Under the direct supervision and functional guidance of the PHA Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Public Health and with the technical guidance of UNICEF SBC and Health Section, the HPO will undertake key tasks as part of the terms of reference below:

1. Support planning & coordination of ACSM and community engagement  
2. Capacity building in ACSM and demand generation.
3. Advocacy, networking, and partnership building.
4. Support vaccine and cold chain management.
5. Microplanning, monitoring and supportive supervision.  
6. Emergency preparedness and response activities.
7. Innovation, documentation, and knowledge management.

Target provinces

Preferences will be given to the candidate from the same province where the position is located.

As a champion for every child, qualifications are… 

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, public or environmental health or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of one year of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: health promotion, community mobilization, social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy, journalism or another related area.
• Relevant experience in NGO, Civil Society Organizations or development programmes is considered as an asset
• Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is required. Knowledge of another local language of the duty station is considered as an asset. b. Other necessary/desirable skills/qualifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills - Willingness to travel and work in field environments c. Other requirements.
• Candidate must be a national of PNG.
• Candidate should preferably be from the same province where the position is located, and should indicate the province/location name s/he is applying for in the application cover letter.
• Candidate must include in the cover letter expected monthly consultancy fee (state amount in PGK please)

For every Child, you demonstrate… our core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and Sustainability. 

This position is a short-term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long-term permanent post with the organization.

Applicants are required to include in their applications a financial proposal which includes a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation and other miscellaneous costs. Breakdown or details of the fee will be much appreciated.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or orientation). 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.