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1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The primary objective of this first phase of consultancy is to establish the foundational elements for enhanced cancer care in Afghanistan. This includes launching clinical services, piloting community-based support, initiating new clinical departments, and building the initial frameworks for workforce training.

2. Background

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Afghanistan, with limited access to comprehensive oncology services, early detection programs, and palliative care. Strengthening cancer control requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating service assessment, workforce capacity building, digital health solutions, and policy development.

The WHO Afghanistan Country Office seeks a consultant to support national efforts in enhancing oncology services, expanding palliative care, improving chemotherapy management, and strengthening early detection and patient navigation. The consultant will work closely with the NCD team, Ministry of Health (MoH) and National Cancer Control Program, healthcare institutions such as the Cancer Centre at Ali Abad Teaching Hospital, and relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.

3. Planned timelines

• Start date: 15/03/2026
• End date: 14/09/2026

3. Work to be performed

The Part-Time Consultant will be responsible for the overall coordination and successful execution of the following components during this foundational phase:

Output 1: Clinical Oncology Training for Health Professionals

• Deliverable 1.1: Develop and finalize a comprehensive clinical oncology training curriculum.
• Deliverable 1.2: Coordinate and conduct initial online and in-person training for health professionals from the four new oncology centres, including pre- and post-training assessments.

Output 2: Launch of WebApp for Early Detection and Networking

• Deliverable 2.1: Oversee the final development, testing, and launch of the WebApp. Integrate clinical guidelines.
• Deliverable 2.2: Conduct initial training for health professionals on its use for case management and manage its promotion for integration into routine practice. Propose a system for incentivizing healthcare professionals.

Output 3: Piloting a Home-Based Women-to-Women Support Program in Kunduz

• Deliverable 3.1: In collaboration with an NGO, oversee the recruitment and initial training of female community health workers.
• Deliverable 3.2: Develop and publish a Training Guide for Community Support Ladies and a Pamphlet for Family Members.
• Deliverable 3.3: Initiate the pilot program, involving the NGO to support destitute patients receiving chemotherapy.

Output 4: Launching Patient Navigation and Prevention Clinics

• Deliverable 4.1: Coordinate with designated centres to set up and launch 4 new clinics for patient navigation, prevention, and early detection.
• Deliverable 4.2: Ensure clinics are equipped and staff are trained on initial protocols.

Output 5: Establishment of a Pilot Palliative Care Department

• Deliverable 5.1: Provide technical support for the establishment of a pilot Palliative Care department at Herat Oncology Center.
• Deliverable 5.2: Provide on-site technical support during the initial setup phase (as per travel to Herat).

4. Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of:

5. Specific requirements

• Qualifications required: Master's level or advanced degree in Oncology, Palliative Care, Public Health, or a related field (Epidemiology, Public Health).
• Experience required:
  • 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in managing complex health system strengthening projects, preferably in oncology/NCDs in low-resource settings.
  • International experience is mandatory.
  • Direct experience in medical curriculum development and health workforce training.
  • Familiarity with digital health tools and community-based health programs.
  • Strong understanding of the cultural and operational context in Afghanistan is essential.
  • Excellent communication, reporting, and multi-stakeholder coordination skills.
• Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:
  • Skilled in analytical writing to produce clear and concise technical reports.
  • Excellent communication, coordination, and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance for Cancer technical packages.
• Language requirements: Expert knowledge of English. Knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is an asset.

6. Place of assignment

The consultancy will be part-time, with a significant portion of the work conducted in person at the duty station: Kabul, Afghanistan, with travel as outlined below.

7. Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

8. Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel according to the itinerary and estimated schedule below:

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO. While on mission, the Consultant will receive a subsistence allowance. It is the consultant's responsibility to fulfill visa requirements.

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.
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