Job Title – Technical Assistant (TA) – Climate Change and Health Communication and Implementation Plan 2026 – 2030
Location: Rarotonga Cook Islands
Duration: 2 – 4 months, with possible extension
Closing Date: 31 January 2026
1. Background:
Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is seeking a motivated and experienced Technical Assistant (TA) to spearhead the development of a new Climate Change and Health Communication and Implementation Plan. As climate change poses severe risks to human health, this project aims to bridge the gap between technical climate data and effective public health action. The resulting plan will outline strategic communication to raise awareness, as well as concrete implementation measures to strengthen the resilience of our health systems.
2. Objective of the Plan
The TA will develop a comprehensive, actionable, and tailored plan that:
- Inform and empower the public on the health impacts of Climate Change including direct and indirect effects on physical, mental, and community well-being.
- Reduce climate change-related risks and impacts on public health, including addressing gendered aspects of climate-sensitive health risks (CSHRs)
- Integrate gender-entry points into the assessment and planning processes by strengthening knowledge, improving surveillance systems and building the capacity of health personnel to deliver quality health services, and
- Promote behaviour change and inclusive engagement across all communities, clearly outlining the goals, mission, objectives, targets, outcomes and indicators of Te Marae Ora
3. Deliverables
The Technical Assistant is expected to be able to deliver the following:
a) Inception Report to confirm the scope of work.
b) Situational analysis (To advise the formulation of the draft climate change health communication action plan)
c) Draft Climate Change and Health Communication Action Plan including Implementation Plan: A comprehensive document including goals, mission,objectives, tactics, activities and channels, targets, indicators, outcomes,time frame, situational analysis, community engagement plan, media and digital media plan, and capacity building.
d) Final Climate Change and Health Communication Action and Implementation Plans: Revised based on feedback from TMO and stakeholders.
e) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework: A detailed framework to assess implementation and effectiveness.
f) Presentation of Findings: A presentation to stakeholders summarizing the process and outcomes.
g) Completion Report: Outlining the tasks undertaken, the individuals and agencies consulted, lessons, and outcomes achieved
4. Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Education: A degree in Communication, Behavioral studies, Public Health, Climate Change or a related field.
Experience:
- Proven experience in developing communication strategies.
- Familiarity with health-related climate change and communication, health policies and gender issues in Pacific Island contexts.
- Possess strong analytical and writing skills, including report writing.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitating community consultations, as well as employing methodologies such as focus groups and interviews is needed.
- Experience working in the Pacific or small islands contexts is highly desirable.
Skills:
- Strong communication, report writing, storytelling skills and interpersonal skills; and ability to translate technical language into accessible messages
- Proficient technology experience to run surveys and manage a database.
Languages: Expert knowledge of English
5. Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following to moh.hr@cookisllands.gov.ck by 31 January with the subject line “Application: TA Climate Change and Health”:
- CV including the names and contact information of referees, and a cover letter that expresses their interest in this consultancy.
- Proposal with methodology for achievement of outputs and proposed timeframes, including financial proposal (Appendix 1).
Further enquiries, please contact Roana Mataitini – Email: roana.mataitini@cookislands.gov.ck, phone: (682) 29664.