National Programme Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

A. Division Mandate\:

 

To support countries to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes. Health systems act as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and under-served population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. In addition, it also promotes community empowerment and participatory governance as means of integrating equity-enhancing and rights-based approaches as well as addressing the social determinants of health.

 

B. Unit Mandates

 

1. Health Policy and Financing (HPF)--> To assist countries to develop robust, coherent, and realistic health legislation, policies, strategies, and plans, with strong links between national and operational levels, and to monitor their implementation. To support Member States to progress towards universal health coverage through the development of a health financing system, including revenue collection, pooling and purchasing, so to assure access to needed services (promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative) without financial hardship.

 

2. Integrated Service Delivery (ISD)--> To support development of integrated people-centred service (ISD) for communities and referral for optimal use of resources by all programmes; to accelerate progress towards universal coverage of safe and quality health services including integration of traditional medicines and practices into the health system. To assist countries to develop and manage a competent health workforce that can deliver integrated people-centred service, through HRH strategic planning, capacity building for priority health interventions and strengthening of governance, appropriate regulation and education capacities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Management

 

Strategic positioning - Regional/National workplan

Develops and implements proposals for taking forward WCO specific area of work within the framework of WHO and national strategies. Liaises with national counterparts to stay up to date on key national policy issues and debates and advise and deliver on strategies for WHO to engage in and contribute to national policy debates. Liaises with partners and stakeholders.

 

Project/Programme management

Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders in the execution of programme activities, such as situation analysis and policy roundtables. Take lead, responsibility to manage and deliver events, and handles logistics and on-the-ground requirements. Working closely with the National Government, the incumbent also coordinates the implementation of projects and initiatives across the various WHO programmes, and supports the integration of these efforts to work towards a comprehensive approach to health interventions and the proper handling of cross-cutting issues. Functions as a knowledge broker to identify issues in country for which WHO can advise - and identifies and facilitates appropriate international experience and expertise from other parts of WHO or external international experts.

 

2. Technical capacity (see mandate for specific information)

 

Offers technical input and professional advice in the consolidation and implementation of country programmes.

 

3. Enabling capacity

 

Networking/Fund raising/Partnership\:

Coordinates and provides support to team efforts in mobilizing resources and sourcing funds, and provides related administrative assistance, such as preparing of proposals, reports and materials.

 

Capacity building

Communicates with and keeps up-to-date the network of consultants and outside experts. Provides day-to-day assistance, such as organizing activities for Member States. Takes responsibility for professional development so as to maintain and elevate standards of competence and credibility.

 

Advocacy/Communication

Represents WHO at external meetings with government, national counterparts and other organisations. Administers advocacy and communication activities, and efficiently delivers the organizational and logistical requisites for these, such as coordinating with stakeholders and organizing events.

 

Specific roles to be undertaken within this job

 

a. Provide, and manage the provision of, technical and policy advice to Government of China on health financing and health reform policy - and be responsible for the delivery and management of policy roundtables and technical seminars to provide advice to the Government. As appropriate this will be done in coordination with all levels of WHO, NHFPC, MOF and World Bank;

 

b. Lead responsibility for design, implementation and monitoring of WCO core funded health financing and health reform projects (national level and in Western Area Health Initiative provinces) with the Government of China;

 

c. Lead responsibility for work with the Government of China to monitor and evaluate health care reform and progress towards achieving UHC;

 

d. Provide health financing advice and expertise to the HSD team leader, WR, and other WCO colleagues including those working on disease control;

 

e. Provide high quality briefing notes for WR, RD and others as needed on health financing and health care reform issues in China;

 

f. Perform other related duties, as required, by HSD team leader and WR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University Degree in health systems, health economics, social sciences or other health-related field from a recognised university.
Desirable\: Post graduate University Degree in health systems, health economics, social sciences or other health-related field from a recognised university preferably from international or internationally recognised university. Exposure to international research and experience in health system development.

Experience

Essential\: At least 5 years of experience in developing, supporting, or managing health policy development, health systems programmes or health systems reform.
Desirable\: Established track record and experience in health systems reform programmes and research - preferably internationally. Frequent contacts inside and outside government agencies and international organizations involved in health in China. Experience in collaborative programmes supported by bilateral or multi-lateral international agencies would be an advantage.

Skills

--> Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;

--> Ability to develop plans and proposals;

--> Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;

--> Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.

 

Specific expertise and knowledge required - Focus on hard skills and specific qualifications

 

a. Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures on health system development and reform, and a particular focus on health financing and health reform policies

b. Strong knowledge and understanding of health economics and health financing, and strong skills in conducting and using health economics analysis for informing policy making

c. Expertise in health policy processes and how to use evidence and networks to contribute to evidence based policy making

d. Proven ability to think strategically, manage projects and processes to deliver results.

e. Experience and proficiency in working with government and other partners in an effective and culturally competent manner.

f. Effective verbal and written communicator.

g. Advanced computer skills including ability to utilize the standard Microsoft Office programs.

h. Fluency in oral and written English and working knowledge of another official UN language.

WHO Competencies

Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself
Moving forward in a changing environment
Teamwork

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Chinese.
Desirable\:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at CNY 602,648 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• 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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.