International Consultant - Border Health

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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Fiji, to strengthen International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) core capacities at designated Points of Entry (PoE) through the assessment of PoE capacities, development of a Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan, preparation of operational guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and establishment of a roadmap for strengthening compliance with IHR requirements and Joint External Evaluation (JEE) PoE capacities.

Background

The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) require States Parties to develop, strengthen and maintain capacities to prevent, detect, assess, notify and respond to public health risks and events at designated Points of Entry. Annex 1B of the IHR outlines routine and emergency response capacities that should be available at designated ports and airports.

As a major regional aviation and maritime hub in the Pacific, Fiji faces increasing risks associated with international travel and trade, including infectious disease outbreaks, vector-borne diseases and other public health emergencies. Strengthening capacities at designated Points of Entry is therefore critical for national health security and compliance with international obligations.

In addition, the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Tool, Third Edition, identifies Points of Entry as a key technical area for assessing national capacities for prevention, preparedness, detection and response to public health threats. Fiji seeks to strengthen capacities assessed under JEE Technical Area Points of Entry while improving operational readiness and coordination among relevant stakeholders.

Deliverables

The specific outputs under this consultancy include:
Output 1: Assessment of IHR Point of Entry Capacities
Deliverable 1.1: Inception Report

• Review relevant legislation, policies, emergency response plans, PoE procedures, previous assessments, SPAR reports and other related documentation.

• Develop a detailed workplan and methodology for the assignment.

• Identify key stakeholders and assessment sites.

   

   

Deliverable 1.2: Assessment of Designated Points of Entry

• Undertake structured PoE assessments at airports and seaports in Fiji using tools and methodologies aligned with IHR requirements. 

• Conduct multisectoral consultations involving MoHMS, airport authorities, port authorities, customs, immigration, biosecurity, border agencies, emergency management authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

• Conduct field assessments at selected points of entry with relevant stakeholders.

   

   

Deliverable 1.3: PoE Assessment Report and Roadmap

Prepare a comprehensive report containing:

• Assessment findings for each PoE;

• Gap analysis against IHR and JEE requirements;

• Strengths and areas for improvement;

• Priority recommendations;

• Costed and prioritized implementation roadmap.

   

   

Output 2: Development of a Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan for Points of Entry
Deliverable 2.1: Stakeholder Consultations

• Based on the assessment report, facilitate multisectoral consultations involving MoHMS, airport authorities, port authorities, customs, immigration, biosecurity, border agencies, emergency management authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
   

Deliverable 2.2: Draft Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan

• Develop an all-hazards Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan aligned with IHR requirements and WHO 

   

   

Deliverable 2.3: Validation Workshop

• Conduct a national consultation workshop.

• Revise and finalize the draft plan based on stakeholder feedback.

Output 3: Development of Operational Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures
Deliverables 3.1
•     Develop a package of operational guidelines and SOPs to support implementation of the contingency plan and strengthen operational readiness at PoEs.
•     Develop a PoE IPC Guideline and SOPs aligned with national IPC policies and WHO recommendations.

Output 4: Submission of Final and Mission Report
Deliverable 4: Final Consultancy Report
Prepare a final report summarizing:

• Activities undertaken;

• Assessment findings;

• Key recommendations;

• Finalized contingency plan and SOP package;

• Priority actions for implementation and sustainability.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: University degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Security, Environmental Health, Emergency Management, or related field.

Desirable: Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Security, Environmental Health, or Emergency Management, and/or relevant training or qualifications in border health, disaster management, aviation health, maritime health, or health security.

Experience

Essential: 

• At least 5-10 years of professional experience in public health, emergency preparedness and response, IHR implementation, or health security.

• Demonstrated experience conducting assessments and developing public health plans, guidelines and SOPs.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting JEE assessments, National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS), SPAR reporting or PoE strengthening initiatives.
• Experience in Small Island Developing States and/or the Pacific region.
• Experience working with WHO or other international partners.

Technical skills and knowledge

• Strong knowledge of IHR (2005) and JEE methodologies.
• Familiarity with WHO PoE assessment tools and contingency planning guidance.
• Excellent facilitation, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.
• Experience in multisectoral coordination and emergency planning.
• Ability to clearly and briefly generate insights based on analysis of data
• Strong capacity to communicate clearly
• Exceptional organizational skills
   

Languages:

Essential: Fluency in the English Language.

Competencies

• Technical Expertise

• Communication

• Ensuring effective use of resources

• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

• Teamwork

Location

Division of Pacific Technical Support office, Suva, Fiji.

Travel

Travel may be required to designated Points of Entry in Fiji to conduct assessments, consultations, workshops and exercises in accordance with programme needs and WHO travel polices.

Remuneration (travel costs are excluded)

• Remuneration: This is a nil remunerated consultancy.
• Expected duration of contract: Up to months, starting October 2026 (subject to completion of recruitment and selection formalities).

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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