Technical Officer, Health Financing

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the PHS team is to support Member States in the Pacific to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes. Health sector development acts as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and underserved population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. A strong health system also promotes appropriate integration of pro-poor, equity-enhancing, gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1) To support countries in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national health financing and costing components of national health policy and strategic plans with advice on the development of prepayment institutions and mechanisms to provide and/or expand social protection schemes to households throughout the Region utilizing evidence-based policies and strategies, and innovative methods and technologies.2) To proactively enable the generation, dissemination and use of evidence-based health financing data including on economic impact of public health problems, costs and interventions. 3) Assist in developing platforms for sharing sustainable best practices, lessons learnt, results and obstacles on health financing and social protection.4) To develop and sustain partnerships with a broad range of institutions, organizations, health economics collaborating centres and other partners within and outside WHO, to advise countries on coherent approaches for the implementation of health financing policies and strategies based on the economic analysis needs.5) Support the development of tools/guidelines for economic evaluation, analysis and interpretation of data, and provide support in addressing the status of health financing, investments on the health system and financing outcomes in PICs.6) Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree from a university recognized in the International Association of Universities’ Worldwide Database of Higher Education Institutions, Systems and Credentials in economics, business administration, health financing or a related discipline.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualification or training in health services management or public health. Training or specialization in social health insurance systems.

Experience

Essential: At least five years’ experience in working on health economics, health financing and social protection issues, with demonstrated experience working with government institutions or international organizations on economic and/or financial analysis of health systems financing.
Desirable: Experience or sound understanding of WHO or the UN in health financing and social protection projects would be an advantage.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and methods of health economics and health financing assessments and analyses. • Proven ability to assess technical needs as related to health financing, with ability to summarize findings and produce clear and accurate reports with proposals for recommended actions.• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance, taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners in resource-limited contexts. • Proven interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics. • Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of professional and personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at FJD 115,057 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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