Consultant for Health Financing Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 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 achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies, and promote healthier populations through various initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at supporting the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Lao PDR in the development of the Health Financing Strategy for the years 2026-203

• This role is crucial in the context of ongoing health financing reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, equity, accountability, and sustainability of health systems in the country. The consultant will work closely with the Department of Planning and Finance (DPF) within the MOH, providing technical support to draft the new strategy based on the existing Health Financing Strategy 2021-2025 and the 10th Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP). The consultant will engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the strategy reflects the current and future health challenges faced by Lao PDR, particularly in light of the economic crisis and the transition from donor dependency to domestic funding for health services. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of health financing, health economics, and social health protection, as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information into actionable strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Supporting DPF in drafting the Health Financing Strategy 2026-2030, incorporating feedback from national stakeholders and development partners.
• Conducting consultations with key stakeholders to gather insights and develop a summary of these consultations throughout the consultancy period.
• Drafting a summary of strategic objectives and priority activities aligned with each objective.
• Creating a comprehensive draft of the Health Financing Strategy 2026-203
• Finalizing the draft strategy based on feedback from the HSD team, national stakeholders, and partners.
• Submitting monthly reports detailing progress and deliverables according to an agreed timeline. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Technical Officer for Health Financing and the HSD Coordinator at the WHO Lao PDR Country Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (master’s level or above) in public health, international development, social sciences, management sciences, or a related field from a recognized university. Additionally, candidates should have over ten years of experience in health financing, health economics, or social health protection. A sound understanding of health financing mechanisms, health economics, and social health protection in development contexts is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate quantitative skills, including statistical analysis, and possess excellent writing skills. The ability to interact effectively with government counterparts is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (master’s level or above) in relevant fields such as public health, international development, social sciences, or management sciences. The degree must be obtained from a recognized university, and candidates are required to provide proof of their qualifications during the recruitment process. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires over ten years of relevant experience in health financing, health economics, or social health protection. This extensive experience should ideally include work in development contexts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in health financing. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully contributing to health financing strategies or similar initiatives, showcasing their ability to navigate complex health systems and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Excellent speaking and writing skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in English is essential for engaging with stakeholders and producing high-quality written reports and strategies.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time, with a duration of 5.5 months, from July to December 2026, equivalent to 40 days of full-time effort. The consultant will be based in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, and may be required to travel within the country for consultations and stakeholder engagements. The remuneration for this position is set at USD 500 per day, classified under Payband C. Candidates should be aware that this vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.