National Health Consultant

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Position Title: National Health Consultant
Location: Sofia
Country: Bulgaria
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, saving lives, defending rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a workforce of approximately 13,000 employees globally, focusing on various programs including health, education, and protection for children. In Bulgaria, UNICEF implements a 5-year Country Programme with a strong emphasis on early childhood health and immunization.

Job Overview:
The National Health Consultant position at UNICEF Bulgaria is designed to provide technical advice and support to the Ministry of Health in addressing the challenges related to child immunization. The consultant will analyze existing data and healthcare systems to identify gaps and propose actionable solutions to improve vaccination rates among vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including health authorities and NGOs, to develop and implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at enhancing child health services and immunization coverage.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough analysis of available data and social evidence related to child immunization levels in Bulgaria.
• Develop an action plan based on the situational analysis to address the issues of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health to implement new strategies and solutions for improving immunization rates.
• Provide advisory and technical assistance to UNICEF and the Ministry of Health on public health policies and practices.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote the importance of immunization and maternal health care.
• Support the development of project proposals and resource mobilization efforts in public health.
• Regularly report on progress and deliverables in accordance with the agreed plan.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, economic or public finance, public policy, or governance.
• In-depth knowledge of healthcare systems in Bulgaria, including public and private structures, insurance practices, and financing.
• Familiarity with UNICEF and WHO provisions regarding maternal and child health.
• Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills, with the ability to lead and train groups.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex legal issues and propose solutions.
• A drive for results and commitment to UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as public health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, economic or public finance, public policy, or governance. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of healthcare systems and public health policies.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in public health policy, public health financing, and risk management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with healthcare systems and stakeholders in Bulgaria, as well as experience in conducting policy analysis and developing action plans for health interventions.

Languages:
Fluency in Bulgarian is mandatory, along with an intermediate level of English. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part-time and may involve flexible working arrangements. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The selected candidate will be subject to rigorous background checks and must comply with UNICEF's policies on safeguarding and child protection. The consultant will not be considered a staff member and will not receive benefits such as medical insurance or leave entitlements. The selected candidate must ensure valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract.