Consultant in Health Finance / Health Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading global organization that aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to improve reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. UNFPA employs thousands of staff worldwide, collaborating with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that address population issues and improve health outcomes.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is part of a broader initiative to enhance midwifery services in Sierra Leone, aligning with global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3). The consultant will play a pivotal role in leading the economic and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis necessary for developing a Midwifery Investment Case tailored to the Sierra Leone context. This involves not only quantifying costs and benefits associated with midwifery care but also crafting a persuasive argument to secure increased funding from both domestic and international sources. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and health experts, to ensure that the investment case is grounded in local realities and effectively communicates the value of investing in midwifery services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a thorough funding and financial analysis of the current landscape for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) in Sierra Leone, identifying funding gaps and opportunities for resource reallocation.
• Performing a detailed costing analysis using established tools to estimate the total costs associated with scaling up midwifery interventions, including workforce development strategies.
• Quantifying the long-term economic benefits of improved health outcomes, including increased workforce participation and productivity, and calculating cost savings from reduced medical interventions.
• Calculating the return on investment (ROI) for midwifery care by comparing estimated costs against monetized benefits.
• Engaging with stakeholders to validate findings and co-facilitate workshops aimed at discussing the investment case.
• Leading the drafting of reports and deliverables, ensuring that all economic and financial sections are cohesive and integrated into the final investment case document.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Health Economics, Public Finance, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in health financing, economic evaluation of health programs, or cost-benefit analysis. Familiarity with health costing and economic modeling tools, such as the One Health Tool and MISP, is highly desirable. The consultant should demonstrate expertise in conducting ROI analysis for social sector programs and have a strong understanding of innovative health financing mechanisms. Experience working in the West Africa region, particularly in Sierra Leone, is a significant advantage. Excellent analytical, quantitative, writing, and communication skills in English are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Health Economics, Public Finance, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health financing and economic analysis necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in health financing or related fields. This experience should include practical involvement in economic evaluations of health programs, cost-benefit analyses, and familiarity with health financing mechanisms. Experience in the West African context, particularly in Sierra Leone, is highly desirable, as it will provide valuable insights into local health systems and funding landscapes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. While not required, knowledge of local languages or French may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set for a duration of 50 working days, concluding on 30 November 202

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Sierra Leone Country Office and will receive direct technical guidance from designated teams at UNFPA’s Regional and Headquarters offices. Interested applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, a CV evidencing qualifications and experience, and a sample of relevant previous work. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The selection process may involve background checks, and UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application process.