Consultant for NTD Health Systems Integration

Job Posting Organization:
The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is an initiative under the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa. ESPEN aims to support Member States in accelerating progress towards the targets set in the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–203

• The organization emphasizes sustainability, country ownership, and the integration of health systems to effectively combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). ESPEN operates within the broader context of the Disease Prevention and Control cluster, which focuses on reducing the disease burden in the African region through strategic investments and tailored interventions. The organization promotes a comprehensive, people-centered approach to disease control, engaging various sectors and communities to address the socio-economic and environmental determinants of health.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is designed to establish a roster of qualified experts in health systems strengthening related to NTD programs. The selected consultants will provide technical assistance to WHO Country Offices and Member States, focusing on integrating NTD interventions into national health systems. This role requires a deep understanding of the complexities involved in transitioning from vertical, campaign-driven approaches to integrated service delivery models. Consultants will be expected to support country assessments, document best practices, develop practical tools and frameworks, and provide implementation support for the integration of NTDs into national systems. The position is crucial for ensuring that countries can effectively manage and respond to NTDs within their health systems, thereby improving health outcomes for affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Consultants will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting country or multi-country readiness assessments for the integration of NTDs into national health systems; mapping systems architecture and data flows; documenting country experiences and best practices; developing maturity frameworks and assessment tools; facilitating technical consultations and validation workshops; creating practical roadmaps and costed implementation plans; clarifying roles and responsibilities across various health ministries and organizations; supporting WHO Country Offices in engaging with national health information systems; and building the capacity of WHO staff and Ministry of Health counterparts to ensure sustainable implementation of integration efforts. Each consultancy will have specific terms of reference, deliverables, timelines, and payment schedules defined at the time of contracting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in fields such as public health, health systems, pharmacy, supply chain management, health informatics, epidemiology, or a related area. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may also be considered. Essential qualifications include a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in health systems strengthening or public health programs, particularly in low- and middle-income country settings. Candidates should demonstrate experience in integrating disease-specific programs into national health systems, including familiarity with health information systems, supply chain management, integrated service delivery platforms, and disease surveillance systems. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks relevant to health systems and NTD programs, direct experience with NTD programs, and experience in conducting multi-country assessments in the WHO African Region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically at the Master’s level or higher, in relevant fields such as public health, health systems, pharmacy, supply chain management, health informatics, or epidemiology. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education and professional experience may also be considered. It is essential that the educational qualifications are obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in health systems strengthening, public health programs, or related technical areas. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in supporting the integration of disease-specific programs or commodities into national health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Experience working with Ministries of Health and understanding the complexities of national health systems is crucial. Desirable experience includes knowledge of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, direct involvement with NTD programs, and hands-on experience with health information systems and digital health architectures.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English, French, or Portuguese. A working knowledge of any other UN official languages is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee a contract, and contracts will be issued on a case-by-case basis depending on program needs. Assignments may be remote, in-country, or a combination of both, with varying durations and remuneration based on the scope of work and available funding. The organization encourages applications from women and nationals of non-represented Member States, promoting diversity within the workforce. WHO maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.