Health Economist/Health Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by investing in projects that enhance economic development and improve living conditions. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges through partnerships with public and private sectors. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, nutrition, and population, and aims to deliver impactful solutions through data-driven research and innovative practices. The East Asia and Pacific Region (EAP) is one of the key areas where the World Bank operates, addressing diverse health challenges and working towards universal health coverage in collaboration with local governments and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Health Economist/Health Specialist position at the World Bank in Honiara, Solomon Islands, is a locally recruited role with a fixed-term appointment of four years. The selected candidate will be part of the Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) Practice within the East Asia and Pacific Region. This role involves supporting the implementation of the World Bank’s health portfolio in Solomon Islands and priority Pacific countries, contributing to the preparation of new operations, and engaging in technical and project management discussions with government agencies and development partners. The Health Specialist will work closely with HNP Task Team Leaders and will be responsible for monitoring project implementation, assessing sector performance, and conducting field visits to ensure the quality of health service delivery. The position requires a proactive approach to health policy dialogue and the ability to build strong relationships with various stakeholders, including senior government officials and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health Economist/Health Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the World Bank’s Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) portfolio in Solomon Islands and priority Pacific countries.
• Leading or contributing to technical and project management discussions with government agencies and development partners.
• Monitoring project implementation by tracking progress, following up on agreed actions, and providing hands-on support to national and sub-national government counterparts.
• Conducting regular field visits to assess and verify the status and quality of project implementation.
• Reviewing, preparing, and contributing to various analytical and operational documents, including aide-memoires and implementation status reports.
• Leading health policy dialogue and maintaining strong relationships with government counterparts and stakeholders.
• Contributing to World Bank health engagements in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, including cross-country learning and operational support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public health, community medicine, economics, accounting, finance, health policy, public policy, health systems administration, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in health systems strengthening, public health, health financing, or health service delivery is required. Strong knowledge of World Bank procedures and systems for project preparation and implementation is highly advantageous, as is experience with donor or multilateral development agency projects. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, the ability to analyze diverse information, and provide evidence-based advice. Strong personal organization, accountability, and teamwork skills in multicultural environments are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, economics, health policy, or related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the economic factors influencing health outcomes in developing countries.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as health systems strengthening, public health, health financing, or health service delivery. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, particularly in lower-middle-income countries or within the East Asia and Pacific Region, which will enhance their ability to navigate the challenges faced in these contexts.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for communication and documentation. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages relevant to the Pacific region may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of four years, and it is part of local recruitment efforts. The World Bank offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.