National Consultant on Health Systems, Health Cluster, Ukraine

1. Purpose of the Position

To support the implementation of a health systems financing methodology, in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 response and the ongoing health and decentralization reforms in Ukraine, to meet health needs of the conflict affected population with a special focus on vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, women, elderly people).

2. Organizational context

In the framework of the third phase of the WHO/EU-NEAR Solidarity Programme for the eastern Partnership - Health, and in particular reinforcement of essential health services affected by COVID-19 and health emergency situations, WHO works in collaboration with Medicos Del Mundo to increase resilience of communities and of the local health system in Donetsk and Luhansk region (GCA) by improving availability and access to quality healthcare services in selected communities affected both by COVID-19 and by the armed conflict in this region of Ukraine. The Health Cluster and WHO will provide technical advice to Medicos del Mundo to manage this important aspect of the response through a specialized consultant in health financing. Medicos del Mundo (MdM) has been operating in Ukraine since August 2015 and is currently implementing an emergency response and recovery program in the eastern part of Ukraine (Luhansk and Donetsk oblast).

The program is implemented around three main components: direct delivery of services through multidisciplinary mobile units (including primary healthcare services (PHC), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and Mental Health and Psychosocial support services (MHPSS) and to gender-based violence (GBV) response services); strengthening of local health system (with a specific focus on PHC, SRH, MHPSS and GBV) through capacity building of health and non-health staff, awareness raising and advocacy; support to the health system in response to COVID-19 pandemics in eastern Ukraine.

A humanitarian, development, peace nexus approach will be implemented, linking Health partners humanitarian assistance with transitional aid/development activities and peacebuilding efforts, thereby resulting in sustainable access to health services in the area, in line with the phase 3 of the WHO/EU-NEAR Solidarity Programme for the Eastern Partnership - Health. The overall objective is to strengthen the resilience of people and local structures to the effects and consequences of both COVID-19 and conflict crises.

3. Description of duties

Under the supervision of the WHO health systems technical Officer and in conjunction with the Heath Cluster, the candidate will Support the effective implementation of WHO related to health financing and service delivery functions of the health system. Mainly candidate will support health financing viability analysis and advice towards absorption of MDM direct delivery services by National, Oblast, raion, municipal health authorities (incl fiscal space analysis, cost estimates for various administrative layers, advice on inclusion paths into the NHSU package).

This includes but is not limited to: a) Developing and piloting a monitoring system to contribute in regular and timely reporting; b) Develop at least 4 reports and 2 situation analyses related to health financing, and health system in GCA Donetsk; c) Producing monthly internal briefs to update WHO team on the current developments in the field, needs, challenges, and activities; d) To provide technical contributions in the areas of responsibility to the WHO - produced products, as required.

4. Recruitment Profile

The minimum academic and professional experience required to apply for the roster is outlined below. The actual grade for each individual contract will be determined in accordance with WHO guidelines on minimum requirements at the time of contract issuance.

Functional Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

• Understanding of Ukraine health system reforms;
• Demonstrated knowledge of health financing, health systems and health care services in Ukraine.
• Good knowledge of health financing and/ or service delivery.
• Data management and data analysis skills.
• Good computer skills (word processing, spreadsheet, Power point presentations).
• Ability to learn quickly and work within significant uncertainties in a rapidly changing environment.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of key WHO policies, tools and guidance materials on service delivery and health financing.
• Ability to interact appropriately with high-level stakeholders, including senior officials and ministers.

Education Qualifications

Essential: University degree (Bachelor's level) in health financing, medicine, public health, social and political sciences, economics;

Desirable: Master's degree or postgraduate training in any of the above fields.

Work experience

Essential: At least two years of national work experience in the field of health;

• Proven record of working with state and synthesizing information related to health system policies.
• Proven experience in implementing and/or managing projects or project activities.
• Relevant work experience with(in) international institutions or organizations in the area of health.

Desirable: Experience of working in conflict-affected settings is an asset.

Languages

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English and Ukrainian. Desirable: Working knowledge of Russian

5. Contract duration

5 months

6. Location

Bahmut, Ukraine Travel to be covered separately if required.

7. Remuneration

Remuneration is based on classified requirements of the Terms of Reference of the Individual Consultant Contract with related academic and professional experience applied for the grade in accordance with WHO’s consultant’s pay band ranges.