International Consultant to perform a Mid-Term evaluation of the project “Strengthening access to quality primary health care services for Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan (2024–2027)

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

..1. Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to perform a Mid-Term evaluation of the project “Strengthening access to quality primary health care services for Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan (2024–2027)” for the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the European Union (EU).

2. Background

Jordan continues to host a large population of Syrian refugees while advancing national health sector reforms aimed at strengthening primary health care (PHC) as the foundation for universal health coverage (UHC). Jordan hosts one of the highest refugee populations per capita globally, with refugees estimated to constitute more than one quarter of the total population, placing sustained pressure on PHC services in selected governorates.[1] In parallel, Jordan is pursuing UHC‑oriented reforms amid fiscal constraints, a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and growing demand for integrated, people‑centred primary care.

Key reform priorities include expansion of family medicine models, quality improvement and patient safety, digital health transformation, and resilience of the health system to shocks and protracted crises. According to the WHO–World Bank UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1), Jordan’s score is estimated at approximately 74, reflecting moderate‑to‑high national coverage of essential health services but masking persistent gaps in service capacity, access, and quality, particularly for NCDs and preventive services.[2] [3] Despite long‑standing policy commitments, financial protection remains a challenge, with a substantial share of households still experiencing financial hardship due to out‑of‑pocket health expenditures, a burden shown to disproportionately affect poorer households and non‑national populations.[4]

The Government of Jordan has prioritized equity, continuity of care, and quality of service delivery, with particular attention to vulnerable populations, including refugees and marginalized host communities. Evidence from WHO and UN assessments indicates that refugees face ongoing financial and physical access barriers to PHC services, including user fees, transportation costs, and capacity constraints in high‑burden facilities, resulting in lower utilization for preventive and chronic care services despite formal inclusion policies.1 [5] Underfunding and overstretching of PHC services—especially in refugee‑hosting areas—have constrained the system’s ability to translate policy commitments into equitable service coverage and effective utilization.

While Jordan has made measurable progress in communicable disease control and maternal and child health outcomes, PHC coverage and quality for mental health, NCD care, and integrated preventive services remain uneven, with limited integration across service platforms and insufficient continuity of care at PHC level.2 [6] Weak community engagement, gaps in health literacy, and persistent gender and disability‑related barriers further reduce effective utilization of PHC services among vulnerable groups.

These priorities present both opportunities and implementation challenges in terms of financing, human resources for health, service integration, information systems, governance, and coordination. Fragmentation of routine health information systems and partial interoperability continue to limit the availability of timely, disaggregated data on PHC service coverage, utilization, and quality, constraining monitoring of equity and UHC progress at sub‑national level.3

Within this context, WHO provides technical assistance to the MoH to strengthen policy frameworks, institutional and workforce capacity, PHC service delivery models, health information systems, and accountability mechanisms. WHO’s role emphasizes system‑level strengthening, normative and technical guidance, convening, and partnership facilitation, with a specific focus on supporting equitable PHC coverage and quality, strengthening humanitarian–development linkages, and advancing national progress towards UHC for refugees and host communities alike.

In line with WHO and EU commitments to results-based management, accountability, learning, and evidence-informed decision-making, WHO will commission an independent mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the project. The evaluation is commissioned by WHO, with the participation of the EU Delegation in Jordan and national counterparts. The evaluation will assess WHO’s contribution to strengthening equitable access to quality primary health care (PHC) services for Syrian refugees and host communities, with a particular focus on progress at mid-point, implementation performance, emerging results, and strategic positioning.

The evaluation will primarily focus on project‑level performance and results at mid‑term, while situating findings within the broader PHC reform and health system context where relevant and feasible, to avoid over‑extension beyond the project’s scope.

The evaluation is intended to generate timely and actionable evidence to inform adaptive management during the remaining implementation period, strengthen accountability to the EU and national counterparts, and inform future EU–WHO cooperation beyond 2027

[1] WHO. Refugee and migrant health system review: challenges and opportunities for long‑term health system strengthening in Jordan (2024). View WHO publication

[2] WHO Global Health Observatory (GHO). UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) – Jordan (most recent estimate: 2023). Access WHO GHO indicator metadata

[3] World Bank. UHC Service Coverage Index (SH.UHC.SCI) – Jordan (2023). View World Bank Data

[4] WHO & World Bank. Tracking Universal Health Coverage: 2025 Global Monitoring Report (financial protection, SDG 3.8.2). Read the Global Monitoring Report

[5] UNHCR. Jordan Annual Results Report 2024 (refugee vulnerability and access constraints). Download UNHCR Jordan ARR 2024 (PDF)

[6] WHO / EMRO. Universal Health Coverage and Primary Health Care in Jordan (PHC integration, NCDs, mental health). WHO EMRO – Universal Health Coverage in Jordan

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: Finalize the inception report of evaluation, adapt the WHO Evaluation policy and implementation frameworks.

Deliverable 1.1: Inception report, evaluation matrix against key questions, while concentrating on the mutual benefits of triangulation between Ministry of Health-WHO-EU delegation.

Deliverable 1.2: Address WHO’s cross cutting strategies such as gender, equity, disability and human rights, and data collection tools to be used.

Output 2: Conduct data collection and perform data analysis, using a mixed methodology approach to ensure triangulation of information through a variety of means: Desk review of EU project relevant documents such as proposal, periodic plans, reports from events and progress of project, communication and visibility of the project, while pointing out the key success factors, gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, quantitative data collection from WHO, Stakeholders interviews (both remote and in-person interviews), Focus group discussions.

Deliverable 2.1: Prepare and present PowerPoint presentation on data collection to WHO Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) and WCO team.

Output 3: perform in-country mission for 10 days for data collection, including key informant interviews with WCO, MoH, EU delegation and other external stakeholders and health service providers, including field visits.

Deliverable 3.1: A short country mission debriefs PowerPoint presentation with emerging findings.

Output 4: Validate the evaluation outcome through workshops and consultation meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Deliverable 4.1: Draft evaluation report with key findings and results and identification of key lessons learned and co-created recommendations

Output 5: Prepare a final evaluation report according to WHO Evaluation policy and Implementation Frameworks, with varied visualization approaches applied.

Deliverable 5.1: Final evaluation report (40 pages maximum excluding annexes) with executive summary (5 pages), evaluation brief (2 pager), and a PowerPoint presentation with varied visualization approaches.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Minimum an advanced university degree in public health, social sciences, development, evaluation, or related field.

Experience Required:

At least 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations preferably in the areas of public health/emergencies or development and experience in country-level strategic / programme evaluations, with a focus on the Middle East.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public health and humanitarian/emergency programmes and country response to public health emergencies, health systems strengthening, and Primary health care.
• Proven experience in conducting participatory and utilization-focused evaluations, qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, analysis of data, and experience in handling data limitations.
• Experience evaluating incorporation of health equity, gender equality, human rights, and other equity issues in programmes.
• Appropriate knowledge and skills of the evaluand with relevant experience in performing similar evaluations involving organizational reform in multilateral or United Nations organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds to

deliver high-quality products within a short period

Languages and level required:

Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills in English. Arabic would be an asset.

5. Location

Amman, Jordan (On-site).

6. Planned timelines (Subject to confirmation)

50 working days

Start date: 27 July 2026

End date: 31 October 2026

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 exact dates will be determined later:

Travel dates

Location:

From

TBD

To

TBD

Place of Residence-Amman-Place of Residence

Purpose:

To perform in-country mission for 10 days for data collection, including key informant interviews with WCO, MoH, EU delegation and other external stakeholders and health service providers, including field visits.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

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 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.
• 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 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.

..1. Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to perform a Mid-Term evaluation of the project “Strengthening access to quality primary health care services for Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan (2024–2027)” for the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the European Union (EU).

2. Background

Jordan continues to host a large population of Syrian refugees while advancing national health sector reforms aimed at strengthening primary health care (PHC) as the foundation for universal health coverage (UHC). Jordan hosts one of the highest refugee populations per capita globally, with refugees estimated to constitute more than one quarter of the total population, placing sustained pressure on PHC services in selected governorates.[1] In parallel, Jordan is pursuing UHC‑oriented reforms amid fiscal constraints, a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and growing demand for integrated, people‑centred primary care.

Key reform priorities include expansion of family medicine models, quality improvement and patient safety, digital health transformation, and resilience of the health system to shocks and protracted crises. According to the WHO–World Bank UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1), Jordan’s score is estimated at approximately 74, reflecting moderate‑to‑high national coverage of essential health services but masking persistent gaps in service capacity, access, and quality, particularly for NCDs and preventive services.[2] [3] Despite long‑standing policy commitments, financial protection remains a challenge, with a substantial share of households still experiencing financial hardship due to out‑of‑pocket health expenditures, a burden shown to disproportionately affect poorer households and non‑national populations.[4]

The Government of Jordan has prioritized equity, continuity of care, and quality of service delivery, with particular attention to vulnerable populations, including refugees and marginalized host communities. Evidence from WHO and UN assessments indicates that refugees face ongoing financial and physical access barriers to PHC services, including user fees, transportation costs, and capacity constraints in high‑burden facilities, resulting in lower utilization for preventive and chronic care services despite formal inclusion policies.1 [5] Underfunding and overstretching of PHC services—especially in refugee‑hosting areas—have constrained the system’s ability to translate policy commitments into equitable service coverage and effective utilization.

While Jordan has made measurable progress in communicable disease control and maternal and child health outcomes, PHC coverage and quality for mental health, NCD care, and integrated preventive services remain uneven, with limited integration across service platforms and insufficient continuity of care at PHC level.2 [6] Weak community engagement, gaps in health literacy, and persistent gender and disability‑related barriers further reduce effective utilization of PHC services among vulnerable groups.

These priorities present both opportunities and implementation challenges in terms of financing, human resources for health, service integration, information systems, governance, and coordination. Fragmentation of routine health information systems and partial interoperability continue to limit the availability of timely, disaggregated data on PHC service coverage, utilization, and quality, constraining monitoring of equity and UHC progress at sub‑national level.3

Within this context, WHO provides technical assistance to the MoH to strengthen policy frameworks, institutional and workforce capacity, PHC service delivery models, health information systems, and accountability mechanisms. WHO’s role emphasizes system‑level strengthening, normative and technical guidance, convening, and partnership facilitation, with a specific focus on supporting equitable PHC coverage and quality, strengthening humanitarian–development linkages, and advancing national progress towards UHC for refugees and host communities alike.

In line with WHO and EU commitments to results-based management, accountability, learning, and evidence-informed decision-making, WHO will commission an independent mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the project. The evaluation is commissioned by WHO, with the participation of the EU Delegation in Jordan and national counterparts. The evaluation will assess WHO’s contribution to strengthening equitable access to quality primary health care (PHC) services for Syrian refugees and host communities, with a particular focus on progress at mid-point, implementation performance, emerging results, and strategic positioning.

The evaluation will primarily focus on project‑level performance and results at mid‑term, while situating findings within the broader PHC reform and health system context where relevant and feasible, to avoid over‑extension beyond the project’s scope.

The evaluation is intended to generate timely and actionable evidence to inform adaptive management during the remaining implementation period, strengthen accountability to the EU and national counterparts, and inform future EU–WHO cooperation beyond 2027

[1] WHO. Refugee and migrant health system review: challenges and opportunities for long‑term health system strengthening in Jordan (2024). View WHO publication

[2] WHO Global Health Observatory (GHO). UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) – Jordan (most recent estimate: 2023). Access WHO GHO indicator metadata

[3] World Bank. UHC Service Coverage Index (SH.UHC.SCI) – Jordan (2023). View World Bank Data

[4] WHO & World Bank. Tracking Universal Health Coverage: 2025 Global Monitoring Report (financial protection, SDG 3.8.2). Read the Global Monitoring Report

[5] UNHCR. Jordan Annual Results Report 2024 (refugee vulnerability and access constraints). Download UNHCR Jordan ARR 2024 (PDF)

[6] WHO / EMRO. Universal Health Coverage and Primary Health Care in Jordan (PHC integration, NCDs, mental health). WHO EMRO – Universal Health Coverage in Jordan

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: Finalize the inception report of evaluation, adapt the WHO Evaluation policy and implementation frameworks.

Deliverable 1.1: Inception report, evaluation matrix against key questions, while concentrating on the mutual benefits of triangulation between Ministry of Health-WHO-EU delegation.

Deliverable 1.2: Address WHO’s cross cutting strategies such as gender, equity, disability and human rights, and data collection tools to be used.

Output 2: Conduct data collection and perform data analysis, using a mixed methodology approach to ensure triangulation of information through a variety of means: Desk review of EU project relevant documents such as proposal, periodic plans, reports from events and progress of project, communication and visibility of the project, while pointing out the key success factors, gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, quantitative data collection from WHO, Stakeholders interviews (both remote and in-person interviews), Focus group discussions.

Deliverable 2.1: Prepare and present PowerPoint presentation on data collection to WHO Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) and WCO team.

Output 3: perform in-country mission for 10 days for data collection, including key informant interviews with WCO, MoH, EU delegation and other external stakeholders and health service providers, including field visits.

Deliverable 3.1: A short country mission debriefs PowerPoint presentation with emerging findings.

Output 4: Validate the evaluation outcome through workshops and consultation meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Deliverable 4.1: Draft evaluation report with key findings and results and identification of key lessons learned and co-created recommendations

Output 5: Prepare a final evaluation report according to WHO Evaluation policy and Implementation Frameworks, with varied visualization approaches applied.

Deliverable 5.1: Final evaluation report (40 pages maximum excluding annexes) with executive summary (5 pages), evaluation brief (2 pager), and a PowerPoint presentation with varied visualization approaches.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Minimum an advanced university degree in public health, social sciences, development, evaluation, or related field.

Experience Required:

At least 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations preferably in the areas of public health/emergencies or development and experience in country-level strategic / programme evaluations, with a focus on the Middle East.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of public health and humanitarian/emergency programmes and country response to public health emergencies, health systems strengthening, and Primary health care.
• Proven experience in conducting participatory and utilization-focused evaluations, qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, analysis of data, and experience in handling data limitations.
• Experience evaluating incorporation of health equity, gender equality, human rights, and other equity issues in programmes.
• Appropriate knowledge and skills of the evaluand with relevant experience in performing similar evaluations involving organizational reform in multilateral or United Nations organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds to

deliver high-quality products within a short period

Languages and level required:

Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills in English. Arabic would be an asset.

5. Location

Amman, Jordan (On-site).

6. Planned timelines (Subject to confirmation)

50 working days

Start date: 27 July 2026

End date: 31 October 2026

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 exact dates will be determined later:

Travel dates

Location:

From

TBD

To

TBD

Place of Residence-Amman-Place of Residence

Purpose:

To perform in-country mission for 10 days for data collection, including key informant interviews with WCO, MoH, EU delegation and other external stakeholders and health service providers, including field visits.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

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 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.
• 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 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.