Consultant for Health Financing and Performance Monitoring System

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The organization aims to foster the economic integration of the continent and enhance the capacity of African countries to achieve sustainable development. UNECA works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to develop policies and strategies that address the unique challenges faced by African nations. The organization has been operational since 1958 and has a significant presence across the continent, with numerous projects and initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions in Africa. UNECA employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various fields, contributing to its mission of promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the region.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Health Financing and Performance Monitoring System will play a pivotal role in transforming health financing in Africa by implementing a project that aims to unlock fiscal space, drive innovation, and build resilient and equitable health systems. This position involves developing Health Satellite Accounts (HSA) and related health performance indicators for four African countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, covering reference years between 2022 and 202

• The consultant will be responsible for producing actionable intelligence for health financing policy, health coverage monitoring, and sustainable development planning. The role requires a deep understanding of health economics and national accounts, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with national teams to assess existing data, design data collection strategies, and ensure the technical quality and consistency of outputs. The consultant will also be tasked with building institutional capacity through training and knowledge transfer, facilitating national validation processes, and preparing comprehensive technical documentation and policy briefs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: assessing existing health accounts, national accounts, and government finance data to identify gaps and data requirements; designing and supervising complementary data collection to fill identified gaps; developing SHA-compatible and Health-compatible social accounting matrix (HSAM) data mapping frameworks tailored to the country's institutional and statistical context; leading the construction of Health Satellite Accounts and SAM for the country in collaboration with the national team; ensuring technical quality, consistency, and international comparability of outputs; building institutional capacity through on-the-job training and knowledge transfer; facilitating national validation processes and securing stakeholder endorsement; developing health performance indicators based on the health satellite accounts; preparing comprehensive technical documentation, analytical reports, and policy briefs; and providing strategic recommendations for institutionalizing HSA as a routine statistical product.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires advanced qualifications, including an advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Economics, Statistics, Public Health, Health Economics, or a related field. Specialized training or certification in National Accounts, Health Accounts (SHA 2011), or Health Economics is highly desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in health accounts, national accounts, or health financing performance analysis, with a proven ability to link and apply national health accounts to policy. Demonstrated expertise in System of Health Accounts (SHA 2011) methodology and implementation is essential, along with strong knowledge of System of National Accounts (SNA 2008) and experience in linking health accounts to national accounts and Social Accounting Matrix frameworks. A proven track record of leading or contributing to National Health Accounts or Health Satellite Accounts development in at least one African country is required, as well as hands-on experience with data gap assessment, survey design, and primary data collection and analysis. Candidates should also have demonstrated capacity building and training experience, particularly in strengthening statistical systems, and experience facilitating multi-stakeholder technical workshops and validation processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master's or PhD, in relevant fields such as Economics, Statistics, Public Health, Health Economics, or related disciplines. Specialized training or certification in National Accounts, Health Accounts (SHA 2011), or Health Economics is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to health accounts, national accounts, or health financing performance analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in linking and applying national health accounts to policy, with demonstrated expertise in the System of Health Accounts (SHA 2011) methodology and its implementation. Experience in leading or significantly contributing to the development of National Health Accounts or Health Satellite Accounts in at least one African country is essential, along with hands-on experience in data gap assessment, survey design, and primary data collection and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French is necessary for consultants seeking to work with Togo, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for 6 months on a part-time basis. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not concern itself with information regarding applicants' bank accounts.