Roster of Digital Finance Consultants

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) is one of WHO’s six regional offices globally, established to serve the WHO African Region, which includes 47 Member States. The Regional Office is located in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. WHO acts as the leading health authority within the United Nations (UN) system, collaborating with Member States and development partners to enhance health and well-being across the region. This involves translating global health initiatives into regional plans tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by countries. WHO also provides support to nations in achieving improved health outcomes through technical and policy advice, the development of norms and standards, knowledge sharing, and convening health partners. The organization works closely with countries to meet health objectives by backing national health policies and strategies.

Job Overview:
The position of Digital Finance Consultant is crucial for supporting the WHO Country Offices (WCO) and Ministries of Health (MOH) in the design, establishment, and implementation of ecosystems that facilitate the digitization of health workers' payments. This role is part of a broader initiative to enhance the efficiency and transparency of operational cost payments, which currently face challenges such as delays, lack of transparency, and concerns over fund leakage. The consultant will provide technical support to the National Taskforce, assist in selecting service providers, and help in scoping beneficiaries' databases. The consultant will also be involved in configuring applications for enrollment, managing enrollment operations, piloting digital payments, and ensuring effective project management and capacity building within the WCO and MOH.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the establishment and onboarding of a National Task Force (NTF) for project management, including drafting terms of reference.
• Assisting in the selection of service providers for the project, including evaluating proposals and negotiating contracts.
• Supporting the MOH in defining the scope of a beneficiaries' database, assessing existing databases, and developing strategies to close gaps in health worker information.
• Ensuring the selected application for enrollment is configured correctly and used effectively.
• Overseeing enrollment operations, including the recruitment and training of enrollers, and monitoring compliance with timelines.
• Supporting the end-to-end process of operational cost payments, ensuring smooth disbursement and reconciliation of funds.
• Serving as a focal point for project management, tracking deliverables, and maintaining communication with stakeholders.
• Conducting capacity-building activities for WCO staff and MOH personnel through training sessions and workshops.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires specific qualifications, including:

• For Band A (P2) level: A first-level university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Project Management, Information Technology, or a related field.
• For Band B (P3) level: A first-level university degree in the same fields as above.
• Essential experience for Band A includes at least 2 years of progressive experience in digital financial services in sub-Saharan Africa, while Band B requires at least 5 years of similar experience.
• Relevant working experience with governments, international organizations, NGOs, or donors is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Project Management, Information Technology, or other disciplines relevant to the functions of the position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital finance and health systems.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by band: Band A (P2) requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, while Band B (P3) necessitates at least 5 years of progressive experience in the design, setup, and implementation of digital financial services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Experience working with governmental and international organizations is highly valued.

Languages:
Essential language requirements include expert knowledge of English or French, with a working knowledge of the other language being advantageous. Proficiency in these languages is critical for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse contexts of the WHO's operations.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work on-site for insurance purposes, with the position being home-based and requiring some travel to countries within the WHO African Region. The remuneration will be based on applicable experience according to the consultant payment guidelines for the respective band levels (A/B). 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 part of the screening process. Candidates selected for interviews 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.