Health Systems Associate

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for directing and coordinating international health efforts. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations so that all people, everywhere, can attain the highest possible level of health. WHO aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health by expanding universal health coverage, promoting healthier lives, and addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health. It also leads and coordinates global responses to health emergencies and strengthens global health security through science-based policies and international collaboration.

Context

WHO South Pacific Office in Suva serves as a multi-country office, providing technical and operational support to several Pacific Island countries and territories. Serving also as the Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), the office works closely with governments, development partners, and communities to advance universal health coverage, health security, and healthier populations across the Pacific. The associate will support the Pacific Health Systems and Policy (PHS) Unit which is tasked to support Pacific Island countries in achieving universal health coverage by strengthening equitable, efficient, and people centred health systems that serve as the foundation for effective public health action. Its work spans policy development, health financing, integrated service delivery, essential medicines and technologies, health intelligence, and addressing equity and social determinants to ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind. The technical unit enhances national capacities to design, implement, and monitor health system reforms that improve access, quality, and outcomes.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Public Health and Surveillance (PHS ) Team Coordinator, the Health Systems Associate will undertake the following tasks: • Contribute to coordination and logistical support for activities managed and/or co-hosted by the technical unit • Assist in preparing technical materials such as briefs, slides, background notes, and documentation for work under the technical unit • Support data collection, management, and basic analysis for assessments, mapping, and monitoring indicators • Participate in the enhancement and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools and activities for key initiatives to track workplans and deliverables • Assist in the maintenance of project files and compilation of reports and visibility materials • Undertake other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

The position is based in Suva, the capital of Fiji, where essential services - including accommodation, banking, medical facilities, and reliable telecommunications - are readily available, with a wide variety of staple foods and imported goods easily accessible and numerous restaurants maintaining good health standards. Suva has a warm tropical climate with temperatures generally ranging between 26°C and 31°C throughout the year, and a wet season from November to April characterized by brief heavy showers that contribute to the country’s substantial annual rainfall. Local transportation commonly relies on taxis and buses, mobile phones serve as the most dependable means of communication, and internet access is widely available through internet shops or pocket Wi Fi from major providers. Suva is classified as a Category B duty station by the UN International Civil Service Commission.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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