Health Policy & Systems Strengthening Consultant

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Improving health systems capacity through strengthening evidence-based decision-making is one of the strategic priorities in the Health Sector Medium-Term Development and Investment Plan (2023/24 – 2025/26) of Ethiopia. The Health Policy and Strategy Lead Executive Office is established to materialize this strategic priority. The office is mainly responsible for the coordination and monitoring of evidence-informed policymaking in the Ethiopian health system. Its mandate is to help institutionalize evidence-informed health policymaking and practice by facilitating evidence generation, translation, and use.

World Health Organization (WHO) is uniquely placed to support the Ministry of Health in supporting the above-mentioned needs, with the broader objective of strengthening health system capacity in Ethiopia.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To provide technical support to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in Ethiopia to further strengthen health policy and strategy research.

GRADE

NO-C

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy WHO Representative and the direct supervision of the Cluster Lead/UHC Life Course Cluster, reporting to the Lead Executive Officer, Health Policy and Strategy Research at the Ministry of Health, the incumbent will have the following roles and responsibilities:

1.Provide high-level advice to the PSR LEO on key roles of the office

2.Undertake analyses on the state of HPSR in the country

3.Facilitate research agenda-setting on priority health issues

4.Support disseminating research results/lessons to the wider community (working papers, conference presentations, peer-reviewed journal submissions, etc.)

5.Actively engage and advocate, for evidence-informed health policymaking, health systems strengthening, and programming

6.Assist the government and relevant stakeholders to establish mechanisms and platforms for the generation and use of policy relevant HPSR knowledge to inform health planning

7.Support for the preparation of reports and national review meetings

8.Coordinate policy dialogues of priority issues and technical workshops

9.Maintains productive coordination among the departments within the MOH and key stakeholders of PSR LEO

10.Actively engage in the preparation of detailed strategic and annual workplan

11.Support PSR LEO communications and knowledge management work

12.Perform other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Deliverables

1.Technical support to the dissemination of the new health policy

2.Support the development of health policy and strategy research roadmap

3.At least two policy dialogue on the use of evidence in strengthening primary health care

4.Capacity building of regional health bureau management and staff on evidence-informed policy, health systems strengthening, programming and development of other normative products

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

First University Degree in public health, health systems management, health policy, health economics, or related discipline.

Desirable:

Master’s Degree in public health, health systems management, health policy, health economics, or related discipline.

Experience

Essential:

At least five (5) years of progressive professional experience in the Ethiopian health systems and/or academic institute in research, primary health care, and health policy and strategy development at national and subnational levels

Desirable:

Experience in using costing tools.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

·Clear understanding of the Ethiopian health systems and national priorities

·Experience working with MOH, RHBs, research institutions, and development partners

·Experience in preparation of national-level strategies and guidelines

·Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including presentation skills and the capacity to effectively work with multiple stakeholders within and outside Ethiopia

·Demonstrable ability to produce high-quality reports or technical materials

·Experience in implementing health system research projects and engagement in the production and use of research evidence

WHO Competencies

1.Teamwork

2.Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

3.Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

4.Producing results

5.Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English and the local language.

Other Skills (e.g. IT Skills)

–Good analytical (quantitative and qualitative) and writing skills

–Advanced computer skills including the use of statistical software

–Working in a multicultural environment

–Good team player

–Good understanding of HPSR concepts and their adaptation to developing countries

–Ability to coordinate national and international partners.

REMUNERATION

This is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract at NO-C, with a monthly remuneration of $3,598.00, paid in local currency equivalent.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1)The duty station for this position is Addis Ababa.

2)This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

3)Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

4)A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

5)In the event your candidature is retained for an 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.

6)According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

7)Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and E-Manual.

8)The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff 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.

9)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.

10)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

11)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.

12)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.

13)WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

14)For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int

15)This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.