International Consultant in Health Economics

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff dedicated to improving reproductive health and gender equality. The organization’s strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's mission is to accelerate progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Overview:
The role of the International Consultant in Health Economics is pivotal in developing a national investment case for the inclusion of modern contraceptives into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plans in Kazakhstan. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of health economics, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health. The consultant will lead the methodological approach, develop an analytical framework, and design and implement economic analyses that align with international standards and UNFPA guidelines. The consultant will work closely with national partners to ensure that the investment case is evidence-based and aligned with national health priorities, thereby contributing to the improvement of family planning services and maternal health outcomes in Kazakhstan. The consultant will also be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders, including government ministries and health organizations, to foster collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the investment case.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing a methodological framework and analytical design for the investment case.
• Leading data collection, validation, and preparation processes to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information used in the analysis.
• Creating scenarios based on agreed assumptions to model potential outcomes of including modern contraceptives in the UHC/MSHI benefit package.
• Conducting modelling and impact analysis to assess the economic implications of the proposed changes.
• Performing economic and financial analyses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of the investment case.
• Compiling and drafting the investment case document, ensuring it meets the expectations of national partners and adheres to UNFPA guidelines. Throughout these components, the consultant will need to achieve consensus among key national partners at every stage of development, ensuring that the investment case is not only technically sound but also politically feasible.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in health economics, health financing, public health, economics, or a related field. Additional specialization or training in economic evaluation, health systems financing, or investment case development is considered an asset. The consultant should have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in health economics or related areas, with proven experience in developing investment cases, economic evaluations, or cost-effectiveness analyses in the health sector. Experience working in sexual and reproductive health, particularly in family planning, is essential. Familiarity with international standards and tools, such as those from WHO and UNFPA, is required, along with strong expertise in health economic modelling and analytical tools such as Spectrum or OneHealth Tool.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in health economics, health financing, public health, economics, or a related field. Candidates with additional specialization or training in economic evaluation, health systems financing, or investment case development will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in health economics, health financing, or related areas. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing investment cases, conducting economic evaluations, and performing cost-effectiveness analyses within the health sector. Experience in sexual and reproductive health, particularly in family planning, is crucial, as is familiarity with international standards and methodologies relevant to the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in Russian at an advanced level is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the consultant's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package and is part of UNFPA's commitment to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.