International Consultant (Health Economics)

Area of expertise:

International Consultant for the Study on Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Universal Health Coverage and the Strategic Health Financing Plan

Purpose of the consultancy

To ensure the sustainable financing of the National Health System of Guinea-Bissau, it is intended to prepare a study on innovative financing mechanisms for universal health coverage and the strategic health financing plan.

Background

Within the framework of the Project on Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Financing Mechanisms for Universal Health Coverage, funded by the European Union, it is essential to promote strategies for sustainable health financing.

The latest report of the National Health Accounts for 2018-2021, in Guinea-Bissau, indicates the high contribution of households in the financing of the National Health System with an approximate average of 66%, followed by partners, with 24%, with the remainder (9%) corresponding to the proportion of resources allocated by the Government of total health expenditure. Public spending is thus below the 15% recommended by the African Union in the 2001 Abuja Agreement.

Government spending on the health sector remains inefficient and ineffective, hence the need for reforms to mobilize more domestic resources, diversify funding sources, reduce donor dependency, and reform the funding model for the health sector.

Deliverables

The following tasks and deliverables are expected:

Deliverable 1 - Remotely conduct a literature review of financing health in country, in particular taxation systems and hypothecation approach – The following products are expected to be delivered: A diagnostic report on health financing in Guinea-Bissau, existing financing modalities, mechanisms and instruments, and identification of legal, institutional and improvement aspects to increase resource mobilization; Expected by the first month of the contract.

Deliverable 2 - Perform SWOT analysis of external and internal factors; Expected by: after the first month of the contract.

Deliverable 3 - Undertake a Fiscal space analysis (revenue projection of taxes selected) – the following products are expected to be delivered: A report on the analysis of the fiscal space for health with projections of tax revenues and short, medium, and long-term implementation options; Expected by: after the second month of the contract.

Deliverable 4 - Facilitate a country consultation with key stakeholders (ministries, industry, civil society, donors) on potential taxes to look. – The following products are expected to be delivered: Summary document of consultations with the main actors in health financing (partners, government, civil society); Expected by after the second month of the contract

Deliverable 5 - Propose a roadmap on health financing reforms based on the Fiscal space analysis. – The following products are expected to be delivered: A Roadmap of actions aimed at increasing sustainable health financing, including how to engage identified partners and a timeline of activities; Expected by after delivery of the study proposal on innovative financing mechanisms for universal health coverage and the strategic health financing plan

Deliverable 6 - Present the different versions of the documents to the multisectoral Technical Working Group for discussion and validation; and maintain regular updates on the progress of the consultancy with the WHO Technical Officer.

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Bachelor's degree in Economics, Public Finance and Public Health

Desirable: Master's degree in Health Economics, Health Financing, or Public Finance

Experience

Essential:

· Proven professional experience of at least 7 years in the fields of Health Economics, Political Economy of Development, Public Finance and Economic Development of Africa.

· Proven experience in the preparation of strategic and operational documents, health care financing, cost-effectiveness analysis, health systems and policies in developing countries, economic evaluation of health services.

Desirable:

Proven experience in the preparation and/or adaptation of technical and financial documents related to Public Financial Management and sectoral program-budget.

Experience working or consulting with international organizations, such as the UN system or others, will be considered an added advantage.

Applicants who have attended a health financing course or have carried out some technical work related to innovative financing for health will be valued.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

- In-depth knowledge of health sector financing models and instruments.

- Understanding of health financing policy. Development of health care financing strategies, public financial management, planning, and implementation of Guinea-Bissau health system initiatives.

- Knowledge of the use of national evaluation through the Health Financing Progress Matrix (HFPM).

- Ability to facilitate dialogue between different types of stakeholders, particularly in health financing for Universal Health Coverage.

- Knowledge of national and international technical guidelines in the field of health in general and maternal, newborn and child health.

- Knowledge of the national health system and the maternal, newborn and child health program will be valued.

- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer tools.

- Good analytical, planning, and organizational skills.

Desirable:

- Respect and promote individual and cultural differences: relate well to the diversity of others and capitalize on that diversity. Treat all people with dignity and respect.

- Teamwork: collaborating and cooperating with others, works collaboratively with team members and their counterparts to reach out and establish relationships; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team's successes and shortcomings.

- Communication: writing effectively/sharing knowledge and ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible manner; developing and supporting the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures. Openly share relevant information and ensure that the information shared is understood.

- Producing results: working efficiently and independently/producing quality results - Monitoring your work and that of others systematically and effectively, ensuring the necessary resources and results. Aligns projects with the organization's mission and goals. Solves your and the team's problems consistently and effectively as needed. Engages proactively in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding objectives, in accordance with the Organization's strategies and work program. Shows responsibility for the team's work and leads by example.

Languages and level required

Essential:

Expert knowledge of Portuguese.

Good knowledge of English or French language, both oral and written.

Location

Remote with limited presence in Guinea-Bissau. The consultant will work in a hybrid manner under the supervision of the WHO Universal Health Coverage Life Course team in the country. The period for work in the country will be agreed at the beginning of the contract.

On site: During the last month of the contract.

and

Off site: During First two (2) months of the consultancy.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to Guinea-Bissau for a working period of 30 days.

Travel costs (air ticket and DSA for 30 days)

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: Grade: P4

Expected duration of contract: Three (03) months – March 25 to June 24, 2024

Additional Informations

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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