Conduct Desk Research on the Political Economy of Health Issues

Conduct desk research on health policies and political economy issues

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Application deadline 3 years ago: Tuesday 30 May 2023 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Conduct desk research on health policies and political economy issues

You have:

  • At least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in public health, international development, political sciences, economics, or a relevant field.
  • Experience with desk research and analyses of policy environment/political economy.
  • Excellent writing skills in English.
  • Interest in health issues and health taxation are considered assets.
  • Knowledge of Spanish or French could afford easier access to sources for some countries, but is not essential.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNDP, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Secretariat to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the United Nations Interagency Task Force on NCDs (UNIATF) and national governments have collaborated to conduct national Investment Cases on tobacco control, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, alcohol control, nutrition, and health taxes. The Institutional Context Analyses (ICAs) are designed to complement the economic modeling component of Investment Cases, by providing an assessment of the forces driving health policies and laws in a country, what actors and institutions are most influential, and what the best path would be to scaling up action. The investment cases can be used as advocacy pieces for policymakers, as well as for the Ministry of Health to present to non-health ministries.

The Online Volunteer will use desk research to conduct Institutional Context Analyses (ICAs) as part of national Investment Cases on tobacco control, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, alcohol control, health taxes and other investment cases related to health. The Online Volunteer will be assigned a country or countries and will use UNDP's relevant Guidance Note to summarize the scope of the problem, historical and present barriers to adoption, institutional and governance arrangements and capacities, political economy drivers, in addition to proposing priority actions. UNDP Health and Development Unit will provide required information and guidance. Upon completion, the online volunteer will be given due credit and receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution. No financial compensation is provided for this online volunteering opportunity.

The Online Volunteers are expected to have experience with desk research, analyses of policy environment/political economy, referencing, and excellent writing skills in English. At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public health, international development, political sciences, economics or a relevant field is needed to perform this task. Experience and/or interest in health issues and health taxation are considered assets. For some countries, knowledge of Spanish or French could afford easier access to sources but is not considered essential.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you conducted desk research? This question evaluates your research abilities and attention to detail. Detail your process, the methods you used, and how you ensured accuracy.
How do you approach analyzing the political economy of health issues? The interviewer wants to understand your analytical process and critical thinking skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you employ to ensure your writing is clear and impactful? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever collaborated with a team on a research project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What has been your experience working with health issues or health policies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org