National Consultant - Health Care Financing

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing health financing and universal health coverage (UHC) as critical components of health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Health Care Financing will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Health Care Financing Strategy in the Philippines, particularly in relation to the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. This position is designed to provide technical assistance to the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth, focusing on health financing reforms aimed at achieving national UHC targets. The consultant will be expected to engage in policy analysis, health financing analytics, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the development and implementation of health financing initiatives. The role emphasizes the importance of reducing out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures and enhancing financial protection mechanisms, thereby promoting equitable access to health services. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that health financing policies are data-informed and effectively implemented, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of health financing systems in the Philippines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of deliverables, including:

• Providing technical assistance for PhilHealth in implementing the DOH-PhilHealth Unified National Agenda (UNA), which includes analyzing the PhilHealth benefit package and performance-based payment metrics.
• Developing policy briefs and technical documents related to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the Special Health Fund, ensuring that policies are informed by robust data analysis.
• Evaluating financial protection policies and mechanisms, including monitoring financial hardship indicators and capacity building for relevant agencies.
• Producing technical briefs and analytical products on priority health financing topics, such as health taxes and reforms. The consultant will also be expected to engage with stakeholders, conduct consultations, and present findings in a clear and accessible manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in health financing, including expertise in financial protection and health financing policy development. Essential qualifications include strong analytical and technical writing skills, with the ability to manage and interpret data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required. Desirable qualifications include experience working with government agencies or international organizations, particularly in health financing contexts.

Educational Background:
A university degree in health financing, health economics, health policy, health systems, or a related field is essential. A post-graduate degree in health financing or a related discipline is desirable, as it would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with complex health financing issues and contribute to policy development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in health financing policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Experience at the national or subnational level is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked with government agencies, particularly the Department of Health or PhilHealth. Experience with international development agencies or development partners is also desirable, especially in areas related to financial protection and social health insurance.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Filipino is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders in the health sector.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy is expected to last for 11 months, from October 2026 to September 2027, with a remuneration of Php 250,000 per month. The position requires on-site work at the PhilHealth and WHO Country Office in Manila, with anticipated domestic travel to various regions of the Philippines. 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 should be prepared to provide evidence of their qualifications and may be subject to a written test as part of the selection process.