Health Program and Promotion Officer (HPPO) in NCD, Central &Madang provinces in Papua New Guin[...] in Eastbourne

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 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 that guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? The PNG National Health Plan, National Immunization and Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) strategy and UNICEF new Country Programme (2024-2028) aim to strengthen basic, quality social services and build public trust and use of the services in maternal and newborn health, immunization and nutrition. With the goal of reaching zero-dose children and missed communities to ensure equitable access to immunization and health services in hard-to-reach areas, UNICEF aims to support Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) in identifying and addressing barriers to service delivery.

To this end, UNICEF has deployed Health Programme and Promotion (HPPO) Consultants to assist nine PHAs in the development, implementation, monitoring, and supervision of demand promotion, cold chain, and vaccine stock management for routine immunisation and SIAs. The HPPOs have been deployed in Enga, Madang, East Sepik, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Southern Highlands, East New Britain, NCD and Central provinces.

Background: The Health Promotion Officers (HPOs) previously supporting NCD, Central, and Madang provinces have resigned, creating a critical gap in technical support for PHAs, which could affect the continuity and quality of service delivery and the gains so far made through the consultant’s support. To maintain ongoing support, strengthen capacity, and ensure that immunisation and health programmes continue uninterrupted, it is essential to recruit new HPOs for these provinces.

Duty Station: The HPO will be placed at the Provincial Health Authority in NCD and Central (One HPPO) and Madang (One HPPO).

Scope of Work / Objectives:

• Support planning & coordination of ACSM and community engagement.
• Capacity building in ACSM and demand generation for routine immunisation and other health interventions.
• Advocacy, networking, and partnership building.
• Support vaccine and cold chain management.
• Micro‑planning, monitoring, and supportive supervision.
• Support the introduction and implementation of Supervisory eTools.
• Support UNICEF partners in coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the Human‑Centred Design project.
• Ensure strong coordination and engagement with AIHSS2 – ISPs for planning, implementation and monitoring of community engagement and social mobilisation activities.
• Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Supplementary Immunisation Activities (Polio, MNTE, HPV etc.).
• Emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Innovation, documentation, and knowledge management.

Target Provinces:

• Health Promotion Officer (Consultant) – NCD and Central
• Health Promotion Officer (Consultant) – Madang

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

Qualifications:

• University degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, public or environmental health or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: health promotion, community mobilisation, social development, programme planning, social & behaviour change, advocacy, journalism, or another related area.
• Relevant experience in PNG health sector institutions, NGOs, civil society organisations, or development programmes is an asset.
• Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is required; knowledge of another local language of the duty station is considered an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, willingness to travel and work in field and emergency environments.

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.
• Interested applicants must submit a cover letter together with their CV and performance evaluations.

For every Child, you demonstrate our core values of commitment, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability. This position is a short‑term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long‑term permanent post with UNICEF. Applicants are required to include a financial proposal with a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation and other miscellaneous costs.

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 credentials 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.