Purpose of SSA:
To support the Technical Officer โ Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), WHO PNG on:
1. ย ย ย Lead the development and implementation of the national STEPS survey work plan in collaboration with NDoH and key stakeholders.
2. ย ย ย Coordinate logistics, training, and field operations for the survey.
3. ย ย ย Ensure alignment with WHO STEPS methodology and ethical standards.
4. ย ย ย Provide technical guidance on survey tools, sampling, and data collection protocols.
5. ย ย ย Support the adaptation of survey instruments to the local context.
Background:
The WHO PNG Country Office, in collaboration with the National Department of Health (NDoH), is supporting the implementation of the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) to generate nationally representative data on key risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. This data is critical for evidence-based policy-making, planning, and monitoring of national NCD strategies.
Deliverables:
1. ย ย ย PNG National STEPS survey 2025/26 costed implementation plan document finalized.
2. ย ย ย Documented evidence of program implementation milestones and timelines being met (as outlined in the national STEPS survey implementation plan).
3. ย ย ย Number of capacity building programs completed for trained survey professionals across the country.
4. ย ย ย Regular and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation reports detailing progress of the STEPS survey.
5. ย ย ย Integration of STEPS data into national health information systems.
6. ย ย ย Final National STEPS survey 2025/26 report
7. ย ย ย Number of national and subnational data dissemination workshop for all relevant stakeholders.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
Desirable: Familiarity with WHO STEPS methodology.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of experience in public health research, surveys, or surveillance, preferably in NCDs.
Desirable: Proven experience in coordinating large-scale field surveys or research projects.
Skills/Knowledge
Essential: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Desirable: Familiarity with WHO STEPS methodology.
Languages and level required:
Essential: Expert Knowledge in English
Location
National Department of Health, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Travel
The SSA is expected to travel within the country to support provincial teams
Additional Information
This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar SSAs at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test/interview may be used as a form of screening. If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/ . Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review. For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice. WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. SSAs shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the SSA. The SSA shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the SSA in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the SSA shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO. Please note that WHOโs contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int. In case the recruitment website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click the link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates.