Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will work with the WHO CLO Tonga, Division of the Pacific Technical Support Unit, with the executives and staff at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and with other key government and non-government stakeholders to design a new National Health Strategy for the Kingdom of Tonga from 2024 to 2030.

Background

The Tonga NHSP 2015-2020 contributed to Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework (TSDFII). It provided strategic guidance on health system development in Tonga for approaching “Tonga Universal Health Coverage”.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to respond to other natural disasters a new strategy has not been drafted. MoH Tonga is aiming to develop the next NHSP (2024-2030) which will guide health program plans and resource allocation to start in the Financial Year 2024-2025. As such, MoH has requested technical assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the development of the NHSP 2024-30, which will also include an implementation plan and monitoring and evaluation framework.

Deliverables/Outputs

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Masters university degree in one of the health, social, or management sciences and a master’s degree in health governance, health policy, public health or other field related to public health from an accredited institution.

Experience

Essential:  At least 10 years of international experience in areas related to health systems development, health governance, leadership, and health policy and planning. Experience should include direct implementation of health policies and plans, preferably through inclusive and participatory processes, and work with other sectors, in particular the social and economic sectors, to address the social determinants of health.

• Demonstrated experience in providing strategic health policy advice and/or supporting Ministries of Health to design and develop national strategic plans.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and fostering cooperative working relationships with key stakeholders and health sector partners; and
• Previous work with WHO, other international organizations, and/or major institutions in the field of public health and/or national health strategic planning.

Desirable: Experience working with government and non-government organizations preferred

Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to deliver quality reports within the given time.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the Tonga/Small Island Developing States (SIDS) health system
• Excellent English writing, reporting and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster co-operative working relationships with key stakeholder and health sector partners; and
• Previous work with WHO, other international organizations and/or major institutions in the field of public health and/or national health strategic planning.

Languages

Expert knowledge of English (speak-read-write)

Location

Off-site: Home-based

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to Nuku’alofa and outer islands as required to get a better idea of the health systems.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration:  Band level B:  between USD 8,001 to USD 9,000 per month

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited): A daily allowance to cover living expenses will be payable to the consultant during their onsite time in Tonga. The exact amount will be determined at the time of payment, however, the current rate is USD 215/day and with an average of 20 working days/month.

Expected contract duration: 3 months

Additional Information:

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