Public Health Expert for Legal Mapping of Core Capacities Under Joint External Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Namibia, which operates under the Health Emergencies Programme. The WHO aims to minimize health consequences of outbreaks and emergencies by strengthening the capacities of countries to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats. The organization collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia to implement health regulations and frameworks. The WHO has a global presence and works in numerous countries to enhance public health systems and emergency preparedness.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the legal mapping of core capacities under the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in Namibia. This position is focused on providing technical and public health expertise to inform the legal mapping process and the development of the Namibia Institute of Public Health (NIPH) Layperson's Bill. The consultant will work closely with a Legal Consultant to ensure that the legal mapping and drafting processes are informed by sound public health principles and global best practices. The main objective is to enhance the legal frameworks guiding public health prevention, preparedness, and emergency response in Namibia, ensuring alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR) and supporting the establishment of the NIPH as a national body responsible for public health functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Public Health Expert include:

• Public Health Technical Support for Legal Mapping: - Review existing public health systems, structures, and functions in Namibia related to surveillance, preparedness, and response. - Collaborate with the Legal Consultant to identify institutional gaps, overlaps, and inefficiencies that may hinder IHR implementation. - Provide technical inputs on the roles, linkages, and coordination mechanisms between MoHSS, NIPH, and other national and regional public health institutions. - Support stakeholder consultations by presenting technical perspectives on public health systems strengthening. - Contribute to the development of recommendations for amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Act, 2015, and other relevant laws to enhance IHR implementation. - Review and validate the draft legal mapping report from a technical and systems perspective.
• NIPH Layperson Bill: - Review and analyze existing national laws, regulations, and policies related to public health and health emergency management. - Provide inputs on the proposed mandate, structure, and functions of the NIPH to ensure technical soundness and alignment with international standards. - Support the Legal Consultant in ensuring that the Bill reflects the functional needs and realities of Namibia's public health system. - Participate in consultations, validation meetings, and presentations to MoHSS management, the Policy Review Committee, and EXCO. - Provide technical justification and documentation to accompany the Cabinet Memorandum. - Offer technical clarification to MoHSS and legal drafters during the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL) review process.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include: - Nationality: A Namibian National. - Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, or a related field is essential. An advanced degree (Master's and/or PhD qualification) would be an added advantage. - Experience: At least 2 years of experience in public health policy, systems development, or institutional strengthening is essential. Proven experience in IHR (2005) implementation, health governance, or coordination of national public health institutions is also required. Familiarity with Namibia's health system and institutional landscape is crucial. Desirable qualifications include 10 years or more of experience in public health policy, systems development, or institutional strengthening, along with demonstrated experience of working in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for this position includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, or a related field. An advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD would be considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex public health issues.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is at least 2 years in public health policy, systems development, or institutional strengthening. Candidates with 10 years or more of experience are preferred, particularly those who have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with multi-sectoral teams and government stakeholders. Familiarity with Namibia's health system is essential for effective performance in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is expert knowledge of spoken and written English. This proficiency is crucial for effective communication and documentation in a professional setting. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with a contract duration of 6 months. The consultant will be based in Windhoek, Namibia, and is expected to work full-time. The remuneration for this position is set at NOB Step 1, amounting to N$80,330.33 per month, excluding travel costs. Full medical clearance is required if travel is involved.