Health System Supports Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Cambodia has made notable improvements in health outcomes, and access to health services has increased over the past 20 years. However, more work needs to be done. People from rural and remote areas, indigenous people, and those who are socio-economically marginalized are still affected by poor health and nutritional status. Access to and availability of quality health services for all continues to be a challenge due to issues related to community mobility, health literacy, health infrastructure, commodities and supplies, skills etc.

Over the past few years, UNDP has been supporting the health sector through research and policy advocacy related to tobacco taxation, improving user-informed service delivery and digitalization, as well as procurement of the needed medical and laboratory equipment, vehicles and other items for the Government’s emergency health response to COVID-19 and sanitary disposal of COVID-19 waste.

Building on UNDP’s past efforts, experience, and lessons learned in supporting the Government and the Ministry of Health, particularly, in the context of COVID-19 and other future pandemics, UNDP Cambodia seeks to improve the resilience of Cambodia’s health system in close liaison other partners. UNDP is in the process of developing a health programme in this regard.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, Programme Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: - Assist in the implementation and monitoring of existing health initiatives, including closely working with the procurement unit to source medical related equipment, track progress, and produce final reports and documents, ensuring correctness and compliance with UNDP procedures and standards; - Contribute to resource mobilization and communications efforts by updating strategy documents and workplans, and preparing various materials (talking points, letters, fact sheets, social media assets, impact stories, etc.); - Assist in conducting research and data collection on donors’ interests, priorities, and their existing and previous engagement with the health sector; - Assist in the coordination and other administrative matters related to the field visits, meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and other arrangements; - Support and coordinate the assessments, situational and trend analysis, and planning processes with analytical frameworks and ensure consistency and accuracy of data and results; - Formulate and maintain stakeholder lists of health ecosystem partners; - Contribute to knowledge management of UNDP Country Office relevant to health programmes; - Other responsibilities assigned within the overall thematic framework.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Teams

health system strengthening, health policy, health planning and management is desirable (candidates with 0 to 3 years of experience can be considered); - Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be an asset; - Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Window or Mac operating system; - Knowledge and experience in communication Apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Team etc; - Ability to work effectively under pressure in a team and in a multicultural environment; Positive attitude towards learning and sharing.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, between Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east. The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April. Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is the most populated city in the country. Khmer is the official language and the main religion in Cambodia is Buddhism. The Riel is the official currency, however, both US Dollars and Riel are widely used and in cities there is good access to banking and ATMs.

House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. Housing is widely available in various sizes and at various price points and Wi-Fi coverage is some of the best in Southeast Asia. Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors. International UN Volunteers are required to follow the UN residential security requirements as per the local MORSS when choosing their accommodation. Food and shopping centers are readily accessible.

There are few taxi operators in Phnom Penh, so for daily transportation the cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel is by a tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a pushbike. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes, tuk-tuk or bicycling.

In terms of health, common diseases in Cambodia are those which exist in other tropical countries like diarrhoea, malaria, dengue. Most of the serious cases have been reported contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers like in Phnom Penh can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally, in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis.

While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore. While access to health care can be limited, in Phnom Penh hospitals and medical clinics are available with contact information available through the UN system in Cambodia.