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Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces a unique set of challenges in its fight against malaria. PNG’s rugged geography (including 600 islands and mountainous terrain that fragments the population) and cultural diversity (according to the World Bank, the country encompasses 800 languages, and 1,000 distinct ethnic groups) results in highly complex and heterogeneous malaria transmission patterns and epidemiology, even within relatively small geographic areas. Malaria is endemic throughout the country, and understood to be most pronounced at elevations below 1,600 meters. Malaria is a major public health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women.

The country experiences high transmission rates of both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the two most common malaria parasites. The geography and cultural diversity of the country complicates delivery of and access to interventions. Other factors contributing to the malaria burden include limited healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, inadequate access to diagnostic tools and treatment, as well as environmental and socio-economic conditions that favor mosquito breeding and disease transmission. Efforts to control malaria in PNG involve initiatives such as distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and improving access to antimalarial drugs, but ongoing challenges persist in achieving effective and sustained control measures across the diverse and geographically challenging terrain of the country. The periods of 2013-2014 and 2016-2017 saw a resurgence of national malaria prevalence. Although the malaria indicator survey (MIS) for 2019-2020 noted a slight decrease in national malaria prevalence, compared to 2016-17, the MIS data for 2022-23 indicates that malaria prevalence has again increased, while insecticide treated net usage has decreased significantly.

The Malaria Advisor’s role is critical to enhance the technical capacity, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness of the National Department of Health (NDOH) so that they may overcome these challenges.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Papua New Guinea NDOH aims to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality through effective, sustainable malaria control interventions that are integrated into the broader health system and designed to steer the country toward malaria elimination.

The Global Fund is providing $37.4 million to PNG, through Principal Recipient Rotary Against Malaria, for the period 2024-2026 (~$12.5 million/year). The Global Fund grant funds are divided 52% for the procurement and distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLIN) and 48% for case management, including malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT) and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Malaria program funds are insufficient to provide LLINs to households living between 1200-1600 meters, ANC clients, boarding schools, internally displaced persons (IDPs), nor prison inmates. Budget is also insufficient to conduct behavior change communications (BCC).

The CCM is now asking the PR to support capacity building of the NDOH to become Principal Recipient by 2027. The Malaria Advisor will provide expert advice and technical support to the NDOH, aiding in the strategic planning and implementation of malaria control and elimination efforts across the country, including effective implementation of Global Fund related assistance.

Location: Papua New Guinea

Schedule: Full-time (On-site)
Position Type: Malaria Advisor
Salary Range: Starting at $90,000 USD (352,250.49 PGK)

MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING CAPACITY 

● Develop and mentor strategic planning within the NDOH for the National Malaria Elimination Strategy, including collaborative strategy design, stakeholder engagement, and strategic writing.
● Develop and refine management structures and processes within the NDOH to improve the implementation of malaria programs.
● Provide ongoing mentoring and capacity strengthening for NDOH staff to enhance leadership and operational efficiency.
● Facilitate the establishment and strengthening of partnerships between the health sector and other relevant sectors to improve program reach and impact.
● Support ongoing coordination between the NDOH and the Global Fund grant Principal Recipients to support strong Global Fund grant implementation.
● Support coordination with other development partners working in the health sector.
● Technical Capacity

● Advise on the adaptation and implementation of malaria control strategies tailored to the unique environmental and epidemiological contexts of PNG and to transition the country from malaria control to malaria elimination.
● Support the NDOH in improving surveillance systems, data collection, and utilization for better decision-making and resource allocation.
● Assist in the design and execution of targeted interventions such as insecticide-treated net (ITN) distributions and indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaigns.
● Monitor and disseminate findings from malaria research, innovations in malaria control, and applicable learning from malaria elimination strategies in other countries. Promote application of findings to inform policy and practice at national, provincial, and local levels.
● Provide technical assistance to support Global Fund Malaria Grant implementation and to determine priority gaps in the malaria control and elimination efforts.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES

● A malaria elimination strategy 2026-2030 developed collaboratively with NDOH, stakeholder, and other partners.
● Strengthened capacity of the NDOH to lead and manage malaria control and elimination initiatives.
● Improved malaria prevention and control measures that are scientifically sound, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the diverse populations and geographic areas of PNG.
● Enhanced collaboration and coordination with both local and international partners in the fight against malaria.
● Assess issues regarding LLIN usage to support identification of solutions.
● Strengthened coordination, implementation, and quality of Global Fund supported activities.

DOCUMENTS TO BE DEVELOPED

● National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2026-2030
● Monthly and quarterly technical reports documenting progress, challenges, and insights.
● Annual strategic review report to assess the overall impact and direction of malaria control efforts.
● Policy briefs, guidelines, and strategic recommendation documents based on findings from published research, gray literature, and innovations in malaria control measures.

●  A Master’s Degree or higher in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field.
●  Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in public health, with a strong focus on malaria or other vector-borne diseases, preferably in a similar setting.
●  Language proficiency - English
●  Experience in program management, especially within developing countries, and preferably management of malaria programs.
●  Familiarity with the health context and challenges specific to Papua New Guinea.
●  Familiarity working with the Global Fund (either the Secretariat, its grantees, and/or its Country Coordinating Mechanisms).
●  Supervisory Relationship: The Technical Advisor will be supervised by the PNG NDOH Deputy Secretary Public Health or their designee. They will also work under the guidance of PNG NDOH National Malaria Program Manager in the field.

ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accommodations@zemitek.com.

ZemiTek embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.