Senior IHR Coordinator

A consultancy opportunity is available for a Senior National IHR Coordinator to provide technical assistance to the International Health Regulations (IHR) Coordination Secretariat at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, Pakistan. This role supports the Evidence for Health (E4H) programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system by enhancing health security, evidence-based decision-making, and universal health coverage. The coordinator will play a key role in accelerating the operationalisation and impact of the IHR Secretariat by establishing core functions such as coordination, surveillance monitoring, policy guideline development, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration. The position demands a strategic approach to building a resilient health system capable of effectively managing health emergencies and outbreaks, while ensuring alignment with national health policies and donor activities.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and facilitate a strategic work plan aligned with the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2024-28 and the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) 2023 recommendations, incorporating a One Health approach to preparedness and response. Provide secretarial support and coordinate meetings for the National IHR Technical Committee and key Technical Working Groups focused on Prevent, Detect, and Respond pillars.

Establish and maintain coordination mechanisms with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial IHR focal points, public health emergency operations centers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration. Monitor global health events, analyze national surveillance data, and support mandatory reporting to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Facilitate timely and transparent information exchange between provincial and national IHR secretariats. Draft communication plans aimed at informing the public, healthcare professionals, and government agencies about pandemics and recommended response actions.

Map existing capacities and identify gaps in IHR implementation nationwide. Coordinate capacity-building initiatives including training programs, simulation exercises, and after-action reviews to strengthen preparedness. Provide technical assistance in developing and updating national policies, strategies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to health emergencies and infectious disease control.

Collaborate closely with the National IHR Focal Point and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSR&C) to ensure alignment and sustainability of efforts. Support institutionalization by developing work plans, SOPs, and monitoring frameworks under NIH supervision for formal integration of IHR functions.

Contribute to transition planning to enable the Secretariat’s independent operation after the consultancy period ends.

Required Qualifications

A postgraduate degree in Public Health or a related field is essential. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years’ experience in expert coordination of multi-sectoral stakeholders. Advanced technical proficiency in IHR (2005) implementation and health emergency management is required. Strong competencies in planning and delivering work, information analysis, decision-making, and collaboration with diverse teams are critical for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

This consultancy offers the opportunity to work within a high-impact, multi-stakeholder environment supported by international partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), John Snow, Inc. (JSI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The assignment spans 90 days from November 2025 to March 31, 2026, providing a platform to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s health security infrastructure through embedded, hands-on capacity building and institutional strengthening.

The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and forms part of a broader effort to enhance health emergency preparedness and response, ensuring a resilient and responsive health system aligned with both national and international standards. Applications are open until 16th October 2025.