Capacity Building Specialist (Retainer)

Job categories Communications, Human Resources, Project Management

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5524/30815

Level ICS-10

Department/office APR, EAPMCO, Papua New Guinea

Duty station Home based

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration 21 Months with the possibility of extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Application period 03-Oct-2025 to 24-Oct-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

Apply

Expand all [+]

Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

UNOPS in Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was established in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time. Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people.

Background Information – Job Specific

The Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea have a long history of partnership in supporting health system strengthening and improved health service delivery in PNG. Since 2011, Australia has invested significant resources in the construction or upgrade of rural health infrastructure in PNG and supporting investments in health information systems and data management.

The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has engaged UNOPS to support the development and roll-out of a national Rapid Health Facility Assessment in Papua New Guinea (PNG), in line with the National Health Service Standards (2nd Edition, 2021–2030). This Rapid Health Facility Assessment (Rapid Assessment) is designed to provide a quick but structured overview of the condition of PNG health facilities, enabling prioritization of investment decisions and further assessments.

The Rapid Assessment forms part of broader efforts by the Papua New Guinean and Australian Governments to strengthen the PNG health system and drive accountability, providing evidence for policy direction and improved service delivery.

Key project activities include:

Develop standardized assessment tools for level 1-5 health facilities to ensure consistency and encourage routine assessment processes
Test and support implementation of level 4 and level 5 assessment tools, and level 3 assessment tools in select facilities.
Strengthen provincial health authorities’ capacity through training and knowledge transfer to embed best practices
Develop capacity at provincial and district levels to conduct facility assessments on a routine basis
Enhance data management, analysis, and reporting to improve planning processes at provincial health authorities and at the National Department of Health.

A core component of this program is the development of a long-term capacity development framework to ensure that the assessments are not only conducted effectively, but that they also lead to improved data use, planning, and service delivery. The Capacity Building Specialist (Retainer) will lead this stream of work in close coordination with national stakeholders and the UNOPS project team.

**This is a Retainer position, not a full-time position. Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis. There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.**

Functional Responsibilities

Capacity Needs Assessment Capacity Development and Human Res...

Capacity Needs Assessment
Capacity Development and Human Resource Strategy
Training Program and Tools
Training Delivery and Targeted Support
Sustainability
Technical Advisory Support

1.Capacity Needs Assessment

Work with the project team, NDoH, PHAs, and other stakeholders to identify capacity development priorities at national and subnational levels. Identified priorities will be in line with the Provincial Health Authority Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) toolkit and associated competency profiles.
Conduct stakeholder consultations and other assessments to identify capacity development priorities as it relates to the objectives of the project. Consultations will be at both the national and sub-national level.
Map stakeholder strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks to identify gaps in skills, systems, policies, and resources.
Provide a clear assessment of current and required capacity within NDoH and PHAs related to; undertaking health facility infrastructure assessments, the National Health Service Standards, data collection, management, and use.
Provide technical analysis on capacity gaps as required.

2. Capacity Development and Human Resource Strategy

Deliver an approved Capacity Development and Human Resources Strategy for the program (supported by the Project Manager and the Public Health Advisor), outlining both short-term actions and a long-term roadmap for institutionalising health facility assessments. (The Strategy must be approved by the program donor.)
Ensure the strategy addresses sustainability, including management of the assessments beyond the project lifecycle.
Where feasible, align the strategy to District and PHA workforce planning.

3. Training Program and Tools

Develop a training and capacity development program to realise the Capacity Development and Human Resources Strategy.
Develop and lead training activities for the project, as related to undertaking health facility assessments and utilising the data from these assessments.
Prepare user-friendly job aids and tools to guide participants in applying what they’ve learned post-training
Ensure that content covers key topics such as the National Health Service Standards, data use, assessment methodology, and results interpretation
Develop training tools and tools to assist participants with implementation post training
Lead capacity development activities on the alignment to the National Health Service Standards, and on data management and use.
Other relevant capacity building for provincial and district level health staff.

4. Training Delivery and Targeted Support

Design and lead the delivery of four regional trainings across PNG, approximately 50 participants in each training. Training will be delivered in each of the four regions (in person) over 3 days. Training will be for approximately 40-70 health staff coming from all provinces and districts within that region.
Provide hands-on capacity-building support in at least 10 provinces during the implementation of health facility assessments. Field Visits to 10 provinces. Assist health staff to interpret and apply data generated from the assessments to inform planning and improvements.
Facilitate knowledge transfer and promote peer-to-peer learning

5. Sustainability

Develop program strategy for ongoing capacity development beyond initial training.
Work with NDoH and PHAs to adapt the curriculum for inclusion in formal training programs for District Health Managers and other relevant cadres. Work with NDOH and PHA colleagues to have the Assessment training formally incorporated into the existing curriculum.

6. Technical Advice

Offer technical advice to strengthen institutional capacity throughout the life of the project.
Advise on best practices, innovations, international standards ensuring advice is context specific

Impact of result

The effective and successful achievement of the deliverables/outputs by the Capacity Building Specialist (Retainer) for the Rapid Health Facility Assessment and Capacity Development Program directly impact on the success of the project, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: An Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement (IICA) C...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Apply

APPLICATION TIPS

How to send a good application:

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.