Consultant - Capacity Building (POLHN)
World Health Organization (WHO)
WP/DSI Data Strategy and Innovation
Consultancy Close on 19 May 2026
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Under the guidance of the Technical officer- Capacity and Leadership Strengthening unit (CAL) - Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI) Group, and in collaboration with WHO Representative Office in South Pacific, the consultant will provide technical and operational support for capacity building of the healthcare workers in Fiji through POLHN online based learning.
Achieving Universal health coverage (UHC) requires a capable health and care workforce. Countries in the Western Pacific Region face evolving demands, and strengthening the competencies of health workers, managers and policymakers is therefore a core priority of WHO’s work in the Region.
Within the DSI Group, the CAL team works with Member States, WHO country offices, headquarters and partners to design and implement capacity-building initiatives for the health workforce. One such initiative is the Pacific Open Learning Health Net (POLHN), which has historically supported the continuous professional development (CPD) of health workers in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by providing access to quality learning opportunities that address the region’s unique geographical and resource challenges. POLHN was relaunched in 2025 through the WHO Academy’s online learning platform after its temporary closure in 2023.
Now, with support from the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), this project expands POLHN’s work in Fiji to increase access to practical NCD learning for the health workforce. The project includes five key components: 1) consultation workshops, 2) need assessment to inform competency needs and online course requirements, 3) developing online NCD courses for POLHN, 4) fellowship support for advanced online degree program on NCD, and 5) strengthening CPD system and support POLHN course accreditation.
The objective of this consultancy is to support the overall project implementation in Fiji with particular focus on strengthening CPD system and course recognition, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The consultant will work closely with relevant units in WPRO and WHO Representative Office for South Pacific.
Output 1. Support country level implementation of the project in Fiji
Deliverable 1.1. Draft technical documents for planning, implementing and monitoring the key activities of the project including consultation workshop, needs assessment, fellowship support, and online course development.
Deliverable 1.2 Provide on-site support in convening relevant events in Fiji.
Deliverable 1.3 Draft mid-term and final-term project reports for submission to the donor and internal monitoring
Deliverable 1.4 Develop proposal for 2027 submit to KOFIH or other donor-based on the findings from 2026 implementation
Output 2. Support strengthening CPD accreditation system in Fiji
Deliverable 1.1: Draft a document outlining CPD requirements and pathway across different health professionals in Fiji.
Deliverable 1.2: Draft documents to support the consultation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and relevant stakeholders on CPD and POLHN Course acknowledgement
Deliverable 1.3: Submit a detailed proposal and implementation plan to facilitate official recognition of POLHN courses as CPD requirements in Fiji and to improve CPD system
Output 3: Facilitate partnership and collaboration
Deliverable 3.1: Support establishment of partnership with Member States, academic institutions including Fiji National Universities, professional bodies, and development partners in Fiji for project implementation
Deliverable 3.2: Support meetings by preparing background documents, facilitating on ite sessions and consultations, and documenting follow-up actions and outcomes
Essential: First university degree in public health, public policy, social science or related field from a recognized university
Desirable: Training in capacity development, health workforce, health programme and policy development/management.
Essential: At least 5 years of experience in capacity building, health workforce, public health and health policy at national and international level.
Desirable: Experience in working with international organization, desirably WHO, or in a multicultural working environment.
Experience in working with Fiji and Pacific Island Countries in terms of capacity building, health workforce or health policy.
Previous experience working with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare- supported projects.
Essential:
Good understanding of health workforce development and health systems issues in Fiji
Strong writing skills including developing concept notes, reports, and donor proposals
Technical and diplomatic skills to engage and collaborate with WHO teams, ministry of health, experts and partners.
Ability to think and work independently or with minor supervision to plan, design and implement a systematic approach to problem solving.
Ability to work harmoniously as a member of the team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct
Desirable:
Familiarity with the history, mandate, and vision of POLHN
Familiarity with Fiji health system and stakeholders
Expert knowledge of English
On-site: Fiji
The consultant is expected to travel in Fiji if it contributes to the deliverables of this TOR.
Remuneration: Pay band B, USD 7200 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 5.5 months, 1 July to 15 December 2026
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