WHO Consultant - Regional 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 April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees across more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including health systems, disease prevention, and health promotion. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of WHO Consultant for the Regional Health Financing Strategy is crucial for addressing the ongoing challenges in health financing within the African region. The consultant will be tasked with developing a comprehensive and evidence-based strategy that aims to enhance domestic resource mobilization and sustainable financing for health. This role involves consolidating existing evidence, facilitating discussions among technical experts, and translating policy directions into actionable strategies. The consultant will work closely with WHO staff to ensure that the strategy aligns with regional priorities and effectively addresses the health financing needs of member states. The consultant will also prepare supporting materials for consultations and submissions to the Regional Committee, ensuring that the strategy is well-informed and reflective of the diverse contexts within the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key phases of work: 1) Inception and Framework Design, where they will review key documents and develop an annotated outline for the Regional Health Financing Strategy (RHFS); 2) Drafting of the RHFS, which includes performing necessary analyses and preparing the full draft of the strategy; 3) Consultation and Finalization, where the consultant will support the preparation of technical briefs and revise drafts based on feedback; and 4) Support development of the regional financial protection report, collaborating closely with WHO AFRO and HQ teams. Deliverables include inception reports, draft strategies, final documents ready for publication, and presentations for the Regional Committee.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in health economics, health financing and policy, public health, development economics, or a related field. A doctorate degree in health economics is desirable. Essential experience includes a minimum of 10 years in health financing, health policy development, or health system reform, with demonstrated experience in drafting strategic frameworks for international or regional bodies. Candidates should also have experience in developing methodologies in a country-specific context and a sound understanding of health economics and financing. Desirable qualifications include data analysis experience, capacity-building experience, and a track record of research and publications, particularly within the African context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in health economics, health financing and policy, public health, development economics, or a related field. A doctorate degree or qualification in health economics is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex health financing issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in health financing, health policy development, or health system reform. Candidates should have a proven track record of drafting strategic frameworks or policy documents for international or regional organizations, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex health systems and financing challenges. Experience in developing and testing methodologies in specific country contexts is essential, as is a strong understanding of health economics and financing principles.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage, reflecting the bilingual nature of many countries within the African region and facilitating communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is off-site (home-based) and does not require travel. The contract duration is three months, with a remuneration band level B set at USD 9,000 per month. This 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 part of the screening process. Candidates invited for an interview must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance. WHO emphasizes workforce diversity 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, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.