National Consultant - Desk Review and Update of Essential Package of Health Services

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, focusing on universal health coverage, health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive desk review of the existing Minimum Package of Health Services (MPHS) in Nigeria. The consultant will develop evidence-based recommendations and facilitate the integration of Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs) into service delivery packages. This initiative is part of the European Union Support to Public Health in Nigeria (EU-SPHN) program, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria's health system through a more integrated approach to service delivery and public health. The consultant will assess how well the current MPHS frameworks incorporate EPHFs and will work towards updating these frameworks to better address population health needs and emerging public health challenges. The role requires a thorough understanding of Nigeria's health system and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the updated service packages are comprehensive and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: conducting an inception meeting with relevant stakeholders to outline the project scope; developing an inception report and workplan that details the methodology and timeline; conducting a systematic review of relevant national, regional, and international documents related to health services; developing an EPHF assessment and mapping framework; undertaking a gap analysis of existing service packages to identify strengths and weaknesses; documenting best practices from comparable countries; drafting recommendations for incorporating EPHFs into the service packages; facilitating stakeholder reviews to update the Essential Package of Health Services through both virtual and in-person meetings; preparing a validation workshop to finalize the Essential Package of Health Services; and submitting both draft and final reports that incorporate stakeholder feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in Public Health, Health Policy and Planning, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Health Economics, Medicine, or related fields. Essential qualifications also include a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in public health or health systems strengthening, demonstrated experience in health policy analysis and health service package development, and a good understanding of Nigeria's health system. Knowledge of the WHO Essential Public Health Functions framework is crucial, along with experience in conducting desk reviews, policy analyses, and technical report writing. Candidates should also have experience working with government entities, WHO, development partners, and health sector stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in fields related to public health, health policy, epidemiology, health systems, health economics, or medicine. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and the necessary frameworks for public health functions.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in public health or health systems strengthening. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in health policy analysis and the development of health service packages. A strong understanding of Nigeria's health system and prior experience in conducting desk reviews, policy analyses, and technical report writing are also required. Experience working collaboratively with government agencies, WHO, and other health sector stakeholders is essential for this role.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication for this consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last between 6 to 8 weeks, with a monthly consultancy fee established in relation to the National Professional Officer salary scale at NO-C level for Abuja, amounting to USD 5,691 payable in Nigerian Naira (NGN). Some travel may be required for stakeholder consultations and meetings outside of Abuja. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their degrees and certificates as part of the application process.