FINAL TERMS OF REFERENCE

SSA Legal Health Expert for Legal Mapping of Core Capacities Under Joint External Evaluation - Namibia (Namibian Nationals Only)

1.    Background 
The Health Emergencies Programme within WHO country office in Namibia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services aims to minimize the health consequences of outbreaks and emergencies by supporting the country to strengthen its capacities to detect, prevent and respond to health.
Namibia, like other Member States in the WHO African Region, remains committed to implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, including the voluntary Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of core capacities. Following the 2016 JEE conducted in Namibia, one of the key recommendations was to conduct a comprehensive legal mapping of relevant instruments to support the effective implementation of the IHR.
Legal mapping provides an essential overview and comparison of the existing legal instruments within the broader health governance context. This process enables a clear understanding of the national legal frameworks guiding public health prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is spearheading the establishment of the Namibia Institute of Public Health (NIPH), which was endorsed by Cabinet in March 2024 as a department within the Ministry. The NIPH is envisioned to serve as the national body responsible for coordinating public health functions, research, laboratory systems, and preparedness and response capacities in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).
A roadmap for the establishment of the NIPH highlighted the need for a legal mapping exercise to guide the amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015 (Act No. 1 of 2015) and other relevant laws, and to facilitate the creation of a legal framework for   NIPH as an autonomous public entity. 
The main objective of this SSA is to provide legal and technical expertise to support the MoHSS with the legal mapping of relevant instruments for the international health regulations implementation.

Specific objectives are to:
*    Conduct Legal mapping
*    Conduct a comprehensive legal mapping of all existing laws, regulations, and policies relevant to the IHR (2005) implementation.
*    Draft the NIPH Layperson Bill as an autonomous and draft amendment Bill to Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015 and other laws

2.    Deliverables
*    Inception Report outlining the work plan, methodology, and timelines.
*    Legal Mapping Report identifying relevant laws, policies, and institutional gaps.
*    Draft NIPH Policy document and Validation Reports.
*    Report on the amendment of the Public and Environmental Health Act and other Laws.
*    Legal Framework Report for the establishment of the Namibia Institute of Public Health (NIPH) as an autonomous entity.
*    Final report activity   compiled and submitted
*    Duties and responsibilities include the following: 
Legal Mapping:

*    Collaborate with the Attorney General Office and the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to Review and analyze existing national laws, policies, and regulations related to public health and health emergency management.
*    Identify legal and institutional gaps that may affect IHR implementation
*    Conduct consultations with relevant government institutions, stakeholders, and partners to inform the legal mapping and policy development process.
*    Develop a draft legal framework and propose necessary amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015, and other laws.
*    Present draft outputs for review and validation by MoHSS and stakeholders.
*    Finalize all documents based on feedback from the Ministry and validation meetings  
*    Provide final report on legal mapping

NIPH Layperson Bill:

*    Review and analyze existing national laws, regulations, and policies related to public health and health emergency management.
*    Draft the NIPH Layperson Bill as an autonomous public entity and draft an amendment Bill to the Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015, and other laws
*    Conduct consultations with relevant government institutions, stakeholders, and partners to obtain inputs and comments on the Bill.
*    Present the Bill MoHSS Management Committee, Policy Review Committee, and EXCO
*    Finalize all documents based on feedback from the Ministry and validation meetings  
*    Prepare  Cabinet Memorandum 
*    Provide technical input and clarification to MoHSS and the drafters during the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL) review.
*    Work and revise the Bill based on recommendations proposed by CCL.
*     Submission and Drafting of the Bill by Legislative Drafters, MOJLI
3.    Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Identify the educational qualifications and expertise needed for the terms of reference outlined above.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
*    Nationality: A Namibian National

*    Education 
Essential
*    A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Laws, or related field.
Desirable:
*    An advanced degree Master's qualification or a Post Graduate in Legislative Drafting would be an added advantage.
Experience
Essential:
*    At least 2 years' experience in legal or policy analysis, preferably in the health sector. 
*    Proven experience in experience in conducting legal mapping or developing regulatory frameworks for health institutions.
*    Sound knowledge of the International Health Regulations (2005) and One Health approach.
Desirable 
*    10 years or more experience in in legal or policy analysis, preferably in the health sector.  
*    Demonstrated experience working with government ministries and international health organizations. 
*     Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Use of language skills 
Essential: 
*    Expert knowledge of spoken and written English language is required.

WHO Competencies REQUIRED
*    Communicating in a credible and effective way
*    Fostering integration and teamwork
*    Producing Results
*    Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
*    Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
4.    Technical Supervision 
Indicate the name and title of the supervisor with email address.
Ms Roselina de Wee, Emergency Preparedness & Response/Epidemiology Officer, email address:
5.    Location 
Please specify where the consultant will work:
Duty Station: Windhoek, Namibia

6.    Travel - If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required
Please specify any expected travel(s): dates, location and purpose.
7.     Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)
Rate: NOB Step1 N$80,330.33 per month for a period of 6 months Monthly renumeration

Currency: NAD