National Consultant - Information Technology and Digital Systems Specialist for HIV

WHO · Fiji-Suva · Deadline: 29 Oct 2026

Schedule: Full-time · Duration: 11 months

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

Purpose of consultancy

This consultancy will support the HIV response in Fiji related to the area of information technology and digital systems and using data for impact.

Background

The HIV situation in Fiji has changed in recent years, with more infections linked to new patterns of risk. Injecting drug use, especially with methamphetamine, has become more common, and many people who inject drugs share needles because there are no harm reduction services such as needle and syringe programmes or opioid substitution therapy. This gap has created a fast route of transmission in some communities. At the same time, many people are still being diagnosed late, testing does not always reach those most at risk, and stigma continues to discourage early care.

The national response from the Fijian government is focusing on broadening testing options, improving access to treatment, and strengthening surveillance and laboratory systems. Community groups now play a larger role in reaching people who do not access formal health services. There is also continued work to better connect HIV, STI, Hepatitis and TB services so that people can get what they need in one place and stay in care.

Digital systems and information technology are increasingly central to effective HIV surveillance, especially when an epidemic is expanding and timely data is needed to guide the response. Well-maintained digital platforms enable timely case reporting, tracking of testing and treatment outcomes, smooth data flow between clinics and laboratories, and early identification of gaps across the cascade of care. Reliable databases also support modelling, forecasting and resource planning as programmes scale up. In an emerging HIV epidemic, investing in strong IT systems, secure data architecture, user training and ongoing system maintenance ensures that information is complete, consistent and actionable, allowing health authorities to target interventions quickly and effectively.

Deliverables

The specific outputs under this consultancy include:
Output 1: Assessment of Existing HIV, STIs, Hepatitis and TB Information Systems

  • Deliverable 1.1: Mapping of current HIV, STIs, Hepatitis and TB data systems, platforms, and reporting tools across national, divisional and facility levels.

  • Deliverable 1.2: Analysis of data flows, interoperability issues, timeliness and completeness of reporting.

  • Deliverable 1.3: Gap assessment report highlighting system weaknesses, user challenges and priority areas for improvement.

Output 2: Phased Systems Strengthening Roadmap Developed

  • Deliverable 2.1: Roadmap outlining short-, medium- and long-term actions to improve digital systems and data quality.

  • Deliverable 2.2: Interoperability plan specifying required linkages, data standards and security protocols.

  • Deliverable 2.3: Framework for real-time monitoring, confidentiality safeguards and ethical data use.

Output 3: Technical Assistance for HIS Governance and Capacity Building

  • Deliverable 3.1: Updated standard operating procedures for data entry, reporting, validation and confidentiality.

  • Deliverable 3.2: Data governance guidelines covering roles, permissions, oversight and system maintenance.

  • Deliverable 3.3: Training modules for health workers and programme staff on system use, data quality and troubleshooting.

  • Deliverable 3.4: Develop and implement a structured capacity-building and knowledge-transfer plan, including regular mentoring sessions with the MHMS Digital Health Officer, to ensure sustained national ownership and management of HIV and related health information systems beyond the consultancy period.

Output 4: Strengthened Integration Across Key Health and Programme Systems

  • Deliverable 4.1: Detailed linkage plan between PATIS+/PATIS-CMRIS, Tamanu, STARLIMS, mSupply, and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) and HIV, STIs, Hepatitis, and TB programme databases.

  • Deliverable 4.2: Data exchange templates and technical specifications for interoperability.

  • Deliverable 4.3: Progress report documenting implemented linkages, testing outcomes and remaining gaps.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: University degree in IT, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or related fields.

Desirable: Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or related fields. IT certifications will be an added advantage.

Experience

Essential:

  • At least 2 years' experience in developing, integrating, and managing health information systems.

  • Experience in system design, database management, data interoperability, and user training for digital health platforms.

Desirable: Experience of working with the UN system and experience of working with the Fijian Government.


Technical skills and knowledge

  • Strong expertise in information systems design and integration, including interoperability and secure data exchange.
  • Proficiency in analysing system architecture, data flows, and digital platform performance.
  • Experience developing SOPs, governance frameworks, and data quality protocols.
  • Practical knowledge of database management and digital platform operations.
  • Understanding of confidentiality requirements and real-time reporting processes.
  • Ability to deliver user training, mentor staff, and support system roll-out.
  • Experience implementing digital solutions in Pacific or similar contexts.
  • Knowledge of database optimisation, dashboard development, and data visualisation.
  • Familiarity with DHIS2, PATIS+, Tamanu or similar platforms.
  • Understanding of API-based system linkages and cloud-based architecture.
  • Ability to support data use for modelling, forecasting, and programme planning.

Languages:

Essential: Fluency in the English Language.


Competencies

  • Communication
  • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyon
  • Teamwork
  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
  • Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

Location

Division of Pacific Technical Support office, Suva, Fiji.

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel within Fiji, in accordance with programme needs and WHO travel polices.

Remuneration (travel costs are excluded)

  • Remuneration: FJD441/day for 20 days/month/ FJD8,820/month x 11 months, FJD97,020
  • Expected duration of contract: 11 months, starting January 2027 (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.
  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  • A written test 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 [email protected].
  • 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.
  • Consultants 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 Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
  • Please note that WHO’s 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 [email protected].
  • 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.

Apply on the WHO website

New UN jobs every morning on Telegram: @unjobshub

All open positions at WHO