National consultant – Center for Health Systems Policy and Innovation

Purpose of consultancy

The selected Consultant is expected to provide the overall strategic direction and technical guidance for the activities of the newly established Center for Health Systems Policy and Innovation (CHSPI) in Sri Lanka. The consultant is expected liaise with both the international and the local academic partners, Ministry of Health, other UN agencies and development partners and build networks with other local and international partners to support the CHSPI.

Background

The poly-crisis Sri Lanka is facing currently has challenged the health system and has underscored the importance of identification of evidence-based and high impact interventions for health system strengthening/reforms. Center for Health Systems Policy and Innovation (CHSPI) was established in August 2023 to address the above need. The University of Colombo is functioning as the local academic partner of CHSPI while The George Institute for Global Health which is a leading independent global medical research institute is the international collaborator.

The Center for Health Systems Policy and Innovation is expected to provide the necessary support needed for the Ministry of Health to generate high-quality evidence for informed decision-making, develop capacities of the health workforce, create a platform for knowledge sharing, build consensus around health sector reforms, and testing out new service delivery models and innovations related to primary health care. It is expected to provide a platform for all stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, other local universities, and international academic institutions to come together to provide practical and impactful support for health system strengthening in the country.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Development of a brief note indicating the the key policy issues to be considered by CHSPI as priorities in 2024

Expected by: 31/12/2023

Deliverable 2 - Development of a feasible governance structure for CHSPI which involves all entities in relevant roles and responsibilities

Expected by: 31/01/2024

Deliverable 3 – Development of a resource mobilization plan identifying funding options to secure a pool of resources for seamless continuation of the CHSPI.

Expected by: 30/04/2024

Deliverable 4: Coordinate the conduct of at least two (2) policy dialogues/technical discussions on key health systems/PHC related policy issues and develop policy briefs for advocacy

Expected by: 31/07/2024

Deliverable 5: Development of a country-specific PHC-related course to be offered to to students enrolled in the host and/or network institutes.

Expected by: 30/09/2024

Deliverable 6: Provide technical guidance and function as the lead coordinator between WHO Sri Lanka and CHSPI

Expected by: Ongoing till end of contract

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Advanced university degree (master's level or above) from a recognized University in public health or related field

Desirable: Formal training in the areas of health systems/ primary health care

Experience

Essential: More than 15 years of relevant experience in the areas of health system strengtheining especially focusing on primary health care and health policy development

Desirable: Demonstrated experience in working in collaboration with UN agencies/ Development Partners

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: Expert knowledge of health systems and policy development

Desirable: Demonstrated capacity to interact with national and international networks at a senior level

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Desirable: Expert knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil

Location: On site: WHO Sri Lanka

Travel: The consultant may be required to relevant to meetings as arranged by RO/HQ and involving a specific role for the consultant e.g. as resource person. Dates and location to be informed as and when these are planned and finalized. Number of meetings is not expected to exceed four (4) for the duration of the consultancy (11 months) i.e. on average one (1) per quarter.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

1. Remuneration: NO-C
2. Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year): 11 months

Additional information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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