WHO Consultant - Fiscal Space Analysis

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's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization is committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The consultant will focus on conducting a comprehensive fiscal space analysis for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Republic of the Congo. This role is essential in addressing the chronic underfunding of SRHR services, which are vital for achieving UHC and the SDGs. The consultant will identify and quantify actionable financing options to increase public investment in SRHR, thereby supporting evidence-based advocacy and health financing dialogue. The consultancy is expected to last for 11 months, with an estimated duration of 3 months for the actual analysis. The consultant will work closely with national stakeholders to validate data and ensure the analysis is relevant and actionable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including reviewing existing national health financing strategies and public expenditure reviews, mapping current public financing flows for SRHR, and identifying key data sources and gaps. They will quantify current domestic public expenditure on SRHR and estimate the financing gap relative to the cost of the SRHR benefit package. The consultant will also identify feasible options to increase domestic public financing for SRHR, develop financing scenarios, facilitate consultations with national stakeholders, and prepare a comprehensive fiscal space analysis report along with a policy brief for policymakers. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate a national validation workshop to present preliminary findings and integrate stakeholder feedback into the final analysis.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's) in health economics, economics, public finance, public health, health policy, or a closely related field. A PhD in a relevant area is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in health financing, health economics, or public finance in low- and middle-income country settings, along with demonstrated experience in conducting fiscal space analyses for health. Candidates should have a proven track record in quantitative analysis of public health expenditure and familiarity with health financing tools and databases.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's) in a relevant field such as health economics, economics, public finance, public health, or health policy. A PhD in a related discipline is considered an asset. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in health financing and economic analysis, equipping the consultant with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous fiscal space analyses.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 7 years of professional experience in health financing, health economics, or public finance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in conducting fiscal space analyses for health is essential, as is a proven ability to perform quantitative analysis of public health expenditure. Desirable experience includes identifying domestic resource mobilization options for health and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations in complex environments.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is desirable, as is proficiency in the national language(s) of the Republic of the Congo, which would be an asset in engaging with local stakeholders and ensuring effective communication.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is off-site (home-based) and does not require travel. The remuneration for this position is Band B, amounting to USD 8,500 per month for a duration of three months. The vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as a form of screening. WHO emphasizes diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.