Health Systems Adviser

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Health Systems Governance and Financing department (HGF) supports the development of health system governance and financing policies and strategies within the context of national health plans and strategies. It provides technical support on the development of appropriate policies and strategies; develops methods, tools and standards to collect, evaluate and introduce relevant information and evidence into policy debate; builds capacity to use this evidence and engages in partnerships with multilateral and bilateral organizations to help develop governance and financing strategies and policies that help countries move closer to universal health coverage (where all people obtain the health services they need without financial hardship linked to paying for services). Within the HGF department, the mission of the Health Systems Governance, Policies and Aid Effectiveness team (HGS) is to enable Member States to improve equity in health, access, coverage and quality of health services through the development, implementation and monitoring of robust National Health Policies, Strategies and Plans. This is done through policy dialogue informed by sound evidence, systematic learning and capacity building. The main functions of the HGS unit are to provide global leadership and strategic direction for WHO in relation to strengthening of national health policies strategies and plans, health systems governance and aid effectiveness.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1) Develop key aspects of the organisation's normative work on Governance and Aid Effectiveness and provide crucial support in the Implementation, management and organisation of the partnership on Universal Health Coverage.

2) Act as a technical advisor and provide authoritative advice to countries and partners in relation to health system governance and in particular national health policies, strategies and plans.

3) Advise on and contribute to the development of models and strategies for the elaboration, implementation, monitoring and modification where necessary of National Health Policies, Strategies and Plans orientated towards Universal Health Coverage.

4) Develop collaboration and synergies with other departments, clusters and stakeholders outside the Organization on the development of National health- policies, strategies and plans.

5) Represents WHO at interagency, international, regional, and national meetings related to the programme area.

6) Undertakes any other duties as requested by Coordinator HGS and Director HGF.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• A first university degree in medicine, public health, political science, economics, or a related field; and,
• An advanced university degree (Master's level) in public health, health economics, or a related area.

Desirable:

• A doctorate-level degree in public health, health economics, or a related field.

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in planning, managing, or developing health systems programmes at the international level.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical and policy support to a variety of developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.

Desirable:

• Relevant experience in WHO, UN, or other international organizations

Skills

• Technical expertise in planning, monitoring and evaluating health systems.
• Ability to provide methodological and technical advice and guidance to stakeholders and partners in countries, technical programmes and other organizations in the subject area.
• Ability to innovate, integrate, synthesize and communicate complex concepts and ideas verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues at Regional, inter-country and country levels; Ability to plan, analyse data and design studies.
• Excellent writing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to monitor progress as well as impact, and to present results.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 75,602 (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 4498 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.

• 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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• 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 final candidates.

• 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.