Strengthening Regulatory EMR Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. WHO's commitment to health equity and universal health coverage drives its initiatives and collaborations with member states and partners.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to contribute to WHO's flagship initiative focused on investing in a resilient health workforce. The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the regulation of health practitioners in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to improve healthcare quality and ensure population safety. This role involves providing technical guidance and developing strategic frameworks for health practitioners' regulation, addressing the significant shortage of health workers in the EMR, which is exacerbated by complex emergencies and socio-economic challenges. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders to identify gaps between policy and practice, facilitating the development of common standards and frameworks that can be adopted by national institutions. The overarching goal is to strengthen the health workforce's capacity and resilience, ultimately contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and universal health coverage (UHC).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of health practitioners' regulation in the EMR, including methodology development and stakeholder engagement through interviews and discussions.
• Analyze findings to identify gaps between policy and practice, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Design and facilitate two high-level consultations with stakeholders to discuss the situation analysis and develop common frameworks for health practitioners' regulation.
• Lead the development of three regulatory frameworks, including system elements for regulatory design, entry-to-practice standards, and a common code of conduct for ethical behavior.
• Facilitate consensus-building sessions with stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration in health practitioners' regulation across the region.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in social sciences, public health, health and/or health workforce policies, or management.
• Over 10 years of relevant experience in public health, health workforce policies, and regulation of health practitioners.
• International experience is essential for consultants working in this role.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills, with a proven track record of supporting health workforce regulation in similar contexts.
• Previous collaboration with WHO or other UN agencies is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as social sciences, public health, health workforce policies, or management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and regulatory frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires over 10 years of relevant experience in public health and health workforce policies, with a strong emphasis on the regulation of health practitioners. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of working in international contexts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and should be familiar with the challenges and dynamics of health workforce regulation.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Eastern Mediterranean Region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is an offsite position on a full-time basis, with no travel required unless face-to-face meetings are organized. The remuneration for this consultancy falls under Band 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 utilized as part of the screening process. Candidates selected for interviews will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.