HSS Team Lead (Health policy, Planning, Coord, Governance)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

A key purpose of the WHO Health System Strengthening Framework for Action is to promote a common understanding of what a health system is and what constitutes health systems strengthening. It also provides a basis to support countries in scaling up health systems and services: addressing bottle necks in a collaborative, coordinated way, driven by desired health outcomes, to achieve sustainable system-wide effects. To be most effective, this process must be country-led, based on priorities set out in comprehensive national health plans

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Provides leadership and guidance to the Health Systems team, ensuring that activities are carried out in a highly professional and timely manner, where needed. Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive and robust national health policies, programmes and plans towards resilient health systems for UHC and emergency preparedness and response. Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes in the areas of health governance, health policy and systems development, health services organization and management supporting universal health coverage. Guide the establishment of standards for the design, organization and functional health programming and operation of health systems based on primary health care and integrated person-centred care for universal health coverage. Advise on continuity of care for emergencies particularly for people with chronic disorders, pregnant mothers, children under five years’ morbidities and disabilities, etc. and provide measures to strengthen referral channels. Contribute to the development, planning, and training of human resources in health aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the workforce; organize, conduct, or facilitate capacity-building activities. Coordinate the planning and implementation of the technical support activities pertaining to quality of care and the health services infrastructure (nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, medicines, vaccines, and medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices, health information system including vital statistics and medical record keeping) and priority programmes based on the needs of affected populations. Coordinate the development and consolidation of the health information system to assist in the decision-making processes including Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, support the adoption of ICD 11; provide and disseminate information on the health situation, status and trends pertaining to the effective and efficient management of health and pharmaceutical services including the identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services. Cooperate with internal team members, national authorities, international cooperation agencies, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, in order to develop alliances and networks that promote access to quality primary care services for the affected population. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree (master’s level or above)in public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable:

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of progressive and related experience, at the national and international levels, in areas related to health systems recovery and development, health services delivery in emergencies, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services, including essential medicines.
Desirable: Prior humanitarian working experience at field level with WHO, other UN agency, health cluster partners; recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization with expertise in disaster and health emergencies response

Skills

Sound knowledge and proven skills in health system reform in Low and middle-income countries including public administration reform. Demonstrated ability to provide sound methodological, technical advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders and partners in health sector reform and public administration reform. Demonstrated ability to innovate, integrate, synthesize, and communicate complex concepts and ideas verbally and in writing. Ability to monitor and communicate progress in terms of process and results.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable: of Portuguese.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 77,326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3576 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

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