Advisor on Health Policy & Systems for UHC at World Health Organization

Job description

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The primary objective of the Health Systems and Services Cluster is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening of health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centred, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; strengthening national health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

Description Of Duties

• Under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS) in AFRO, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:
• Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programs in the areas of health governance, health policy and systems development, health services organization and management supporting universal health coverage;
• Promote and support the establishment of policies, norms and standards for the design, organization and functional programming and operation of health systems based on primary health care, supporting Universal Health Coverage, integrated health services networks including hospital and other health facilities and services, and public health infrastructure and services;
• Provide technical cooperation for the development of health services, with emphasis on primary health care supporting universal health coverage, and the structure and operation of local health systems that provide a setting for the joint participation of the public sector social security systems, the private sector, and government agencies;
• Support the governance and development of social protection systems and other institutional and nongovernmental sectors, in the context of national health policies and plans, as part of the development and strengthening of the steering role of the sector and health care systems;
• Collaborate in the organization and management of health systems and services, and their units with an emphasis on the reorganization and reorientation of the health sector and national and county health systems, including the following activities:
  • Implement, monitor, and evaluate sectoral projects aimed at achieving efficiency, effectiveness, improved quality, and sustainability of national health services and systems.
  • Advise on decision-making processes regarding collective options for, and implementation of, programs for universal access to quality care and to improve locative efficiencies and ensure Universal Coverage and Social Protection in Health.
  • Support the implementation of plans to strengthen national health information systems and participate in health systems and services research to inform policy and decision-making, while facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and information.
  • Collaborate in the development and implementation of programs to strengthen the steering and coordination role of the ministries of health in all its dimensions.
  • Contribute to the identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services.
• Contribute to the development, planning, and training of human resources in health aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the workforce, and organizes, conducts, or facilitates capacity-building activities;
• Provide advice and technical support to every component related to quality of care and the health services infrastructure (nursing, drugs, and medicine, support and logistic services, diagnostic and therapeutic, health information system including vital statistics and electronic health records systems) and priority programs based on primary health care approach;
• Disseminate up-to-date knowledge and findings in the various areas of specialization; advise on the introduction and transfer of experiences and technologies through capacity-building processes and inter-country collaboration;
• Support the development and consolidation of the information system to assist in monitoring progress toward UHC, facilitation in the decision-making processes and provide the necessary information on the health situation and trends in order to contribute to the consolidation of the strategic administration processes and the effective and efficient management of health services;
• Cooperate with WHO, HQ and regional offices, WHO Collaborating Centres, international cooperation agencies, inter-governmental and Non-governmental organizations, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, in order to develop alliances and networks that promote access to quality primary care services, particularly for those most in need;
• Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation`s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
• When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;13. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Essential: Master'sdegree in health sciences, social sciences, public health, health systems and services administration or managementor management sciencesfrom a recognized university.
• Desirable: Project management experience / qualification

Experience

Essential: Sevenyears of combined national and international experience in areas related to health systems development, health services delivery, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. Experience should also include management of health care services at either the facility or systems levels.
Desirable: Experience within WHO or similar UN agency

Skills

• Possess knowledge and skills in the areas of organization, management (including planning, financing, organization, staffing, directing and controlling) and provision of health care services (including primary, secondary, and tertiary care and public health services), and in strengthening primary health care-based health systems.
• Competencies in regulation, financing and public health functions, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, equity in access to health care services, quality of health services, and strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services.
• Knowledge and ability for management of health systems/services research, as well as competencies development in the area of public health.
• Knowledge and skills in the formulation of technical cooperation interventions and in the development of criteria and instruments for evaluating program interventions
• Knowledge and skills in policy analysis and project formulation, leadership and regulatory functions, financing and extension of social protection in health, public health functions and services, purchasing of services, educational development, human resources management, and operations research in primary health care services.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 71,332 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2176 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

Additional Information

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

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

In the event that 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.

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

For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.