Technical Lead for UHC Knowledge Hub

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on universal health coverage, health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Lead for the UHC Knowledge Hub is pivotal in strengthening health financing to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and managerial support to ensure the effective delivery of the Hub's workplan. This role involves co-coordinating and co-leading the UHC Knowledge Hub, collaborating with key partners such as the World Bank and the Government of Japan, and organizing capacity-building activities related to health financing policy and public financial management. The candidate will also engage with senior officials from ministries of health and finance in low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs) to foster knowledge exchange and develop technical health financing policies and strategies. The role requires a strong focus on evidence generation, policy analysis, and capacity building to support national health financing policy development processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing technical leadership and managerial support to ensure the efficient delivery of the UHC Knowledge Hub's workplan.
• Co-coordinating and co-leading the UHC Knowledge Hub, collaborating closely with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and other partners.
• Organizing and leading capacity-building activities on health financing policy and public financial management, including developing training materials.
• Leading high-level forums and events with senior officials to foster engagement and knowledge exchange.
• Developing and proposing technical health financing policies and strategies, providing authoritative advice to member states.
• Collating, analyzing, and disseminating country experiences and evidence to support evaluation tools for health financing performance.
• Representing WHO and the UHC Knowledge Hub in discussions on health financing policy and public financial management.
• Managing and monitoring program performance, including financial resources and reporting on key performance indicators.
• Developing technical approaches and models of good practice for member states, producing policy briefs and publications. 1
• Liaising with UN agencies, donors, and research institutions to position the Hub's work within global and national policies. 1
• Overseeing the financial and human resources of the Hub. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, health economics, health policy, public health, or social sciences, with a concentration in health financing or health policy. A PhD in a related field is desirable, along with extensive knowledge of health systems analysis focused on health financing. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience working with low and/or middle-income countries, coordinating task teams, conducting health finance policy analysis, and facilitating policy discussions. Experience in organizing capacity strengthening activities and engaging in policy dialogue with senior health policymakers is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience working in UN or international agencies and collaboration with other organizations active in health financing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as economics, health economics, health policy, public health, or social sciences, specifically with a focus on health financing or health policy. A PhD in these areas is considered desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of health systems analysis and financing.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of coordinating task teams, conducting health finance policy analysis, and facilitating policy discussions. Experience in organizing and leading capacity strengthening activities, high-level forums, and workshops on health financing policy and public financial management is essential. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in engaging in policy dialogue with senior health policymakers, showcasing their ability to influence and contribute to health financing discussions at a high level.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French and Japanese is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance collaboration in international settings.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 103,165, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Tokyo. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. The organization also emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical standards in its workforce.