Health Governance Consultant

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1.Purpose of the Consultancy
This consultancy will support the Health Governance and Finance Unit by conducting a regional situation analysis on health systems governance and providing technical support to countries in advancing health systems governance recovery and reform.
2.Background
Health systems governance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a critical enabler of resilience, equity, and accountability. Framed through WHO’s GPW14 Output 3.1.3, which focuses on strengthening evidence-informed policies, data systems, and monitoring, the region’s governance landscape reveals both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities.
The EMR is home to diverse political and economic contexts, ranging from high-income Gulf states to fragile, conflict-affected countries. Governance of health systems in this region is often fragmented, with ministries of health struggling to coordinate across multiple actors—government agencies, donors, private providers, and civil society. This fragmentation undermines stewardship and weakens accountability, directly affecting countries’ ability to deliver on GPW14 Output 3.1.3 indicators, which emphasize the adoption of evidence-based policies, strengthened health data systems, and robust monitoring frameworks.
One of the most pressing governance gaps is the limited institutional capacity for evidence-informed policymaking. Many countries lack strong mechanisms to translate research into policy, and health research governance remains underdeveloped. Ethics oversight boards are unevenly distributed, funding is scarce, and national priorities are often misaligned with research agendas. This weakens the ability of governments to design policies that respond to population needs and to track progress against GPW14 indicators.
Another challenge lies in health information systems. In several EMR countries, data collection is fragmented, with parallel systems operated by ministries, donors, and humanitarian actors. This reduces reliability and hinders comparability across countries. GPW14 Output 3.1.3 calls for stronger national health data platforms, interoperable systems, and digital health innovations. While some progress has been made—such as the expansion of digital health initiatives and the adoption of national hospital strategies—many countries still face gaps in data quality, coverage, and use.
Monitoring and accountability mechanisms are also weak. Few countries have institutionalized performance monitoring frameworks that align with GPW14 indicators. This limits transparency and reduces trust in health systems. Strengthening governance requires embedding monitoring and evaluation into national health strategies, ensuring that progress toward Universal Health Coverage and equity goals is systematically tracked.

Health systems governance in the EMR, when viewed through the lens of GPW14 Output 3.1.3, highlights the urgent need to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking, health data systems, and monitoring frameworks.
This consultancy aims to conduct a regional situation analysis on health systems governance and providing technical support to countries in advancing health systems governance recovery and reform.

3.Work to be performed
Output 1 – Conduct Health systems governance situation analysis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR)
Deliverables:
1.Design of the situation analysis methodology: develop a structured approach, including analytical framework, data sources, and tools.
2.Conduct a scoping review: conduct a comprehensive literature review and key stakeholder interviews to capture current practices, challenges, and opportunities.
3.Prepare and Produce a final situation analysis report: prepare a consolidated report presenting findings, insights, and recommendations for strengthening health systems governance in the EMR.
Output 2 – Provide a Technical support to countries on health systems governance recovery and reform
Deliverables:
1.Develop and deliver tailored country support plan: develop country specific support plan based on results of situation analysis with a focus on RSOP and GPW14 objectives/deliverables.
2.Conduct a series of a Capacity building meeting: organize a country focused capacity building sessions designed to strengthen technical expertise in health systems governance recovery and reforms.
3.Produce an implementation report: document the technical assistance provided to countries, with a focus on progress related to GPW14 indicators.
Output 3 – Produce Policy briefs on multisectoral health governance for advancing UHC and health security
Deliverables:
1.Conduct a scoping review: conduct a comprehensive literature review and key stakeholder interviews to capture current practices, challenges, and opportunities.
2.Publish policy briefs: develop and publish policy briefs on multisectoral health governance for advancing UHC and health security.

4.Specific requirements
- Education required:
•Essential: Advanced university degree (Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) for high end of range in public health and health governance.
- Experience required:
•5-10 years of relevant experience in the field of public health and health governance with international experience working with different counties.
•International experience is required for international consultants
- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:
•Excellent experience in policy formulation and monitoring and evaluation
•Excellent experience in Situational analysis and scoping reviews
•Excellent experience in Stakeholder mapping and engagement
•Excellent experience in Report writing and presentation
- Language requirements:
Excellent knowledge of English. Arabic.
French knowledge will be an asset.
5.Place of assignment
Cairo, Egypt (on premises /full time)
6.Medical clearance
The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
7.Travel
Duty travels as required and approved by the supervisor.
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.

8. Remuneration and budget
Remuneration: Band B
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.
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- Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.
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