Consultant for Health Systems Strengthening

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF values a diverse and inclusive culture and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health, the HSSPVI Steering Committee, and key stakeholders to ensure that the planning process for the Health Sector Strategic Plan VI (HSSP VI) is inclusive, well-coordinated, technically sound, and aligned with national priorities and global commitments. The consultant will lead the design, coordination, and development of HSSP VI through a highly consultative and evidence-driven process. The role requires providing overall technical leadership and guidance for the development of HSSP VI, coordinating thematic technical working groups, and engaging stakeholders to identify health sector thematic priorities. The consultant will also be responsible for developing a high-quality HSSP VI document that aligns with national and global frameworks and promotes consensus and ownership through broad stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall technical leadership and guidance for the development of HSSP VI.
• Coordinate and guide thematic technical working groups and stakeholders in identifying health sector thematic priorities.
• Develop a high-quality HSSP VI document aligned with national and global frameworks.
• Promote consensus and ownership of the HSSP VI through broad stakeholder engagement.
• Engage with the organization that will oversee/manage the HSSP VI development.
• Ensure that the planning process is inclusive and well-coordinated.
• Align the HSSP VI with national priorities and global commitments.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops with stakeholders to gather input and feedback.
• Prepare and present reports on the progress of the HSSP VI development. 1
• Ensure that the final document meets the required standards and expectations of stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, Health Systems, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in health systems strengthening and strategy development.
• Proven experience leading national health strategies.
• Strong knowledge of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), health financing, and cross-cutting health issues.
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa; experience in Tanzania is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and writing skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Economics, Health Systems, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the development of the HSSP VI.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of progressive experience in health systems strengthening and strategy development. Candidates should have proven experience in leading national health strategies and a strong understanding of health financing and cross-cutting health issues. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is essential, with a preference for candidates who have specific experience in Tanzania.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kiswahili is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the consultancy's objectives. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 6 months, and the working arrangement is home-based. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System). UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process.