Service delivery system officer

Contract

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

Service delivery has primarily been coordinated and managed by standalone programs. Each program was defining and supporting establishment of the delivery systems needed to attain its objectives. This approach is however not fit for purpose in the context of the SDG attainment, where comprehensive services are needed across results relating to Universal Health Coverage, Health Security and Determinants of Health areas. The PHC approach has been revitalized, with an increased emphasis on a comprehensive PHC approach that will ensure delivery of essential services across all ages. Compounding this situation is the implications of the disease, environmental and other shocks on standalone service delivery systems that lack the needed resilience to sustain service provision when threatened. There is therefore an ongoing process to re-pivot the service delivery systems in countries to align them with the current expectations. This is being implemented in the context of the ongoing functional review process in the WHO Regional Office that is prioritizing district health services support capacity in country offices. Finally, the WHO Regional Office is prioritizing as part of the Regional Directors transformational agenda the need to open opportunities for early / mid-career technically competent persons to have an opportunity to work with the WHO Regional Office, as part of its talent search and provision of opportunities to persons building careers in public health to enhance their international experiences. The WHO is therefore seeking technically competent United Nations Volunteers to work as service delivery systems support officers in multiple countries across the region.

Under the guidance and overall supervision of the WHO Representative, and working under technical guidance of the team responsible for Service Delivery at the Regional Office level, the UN Volunteer shall contribute to the support in re-pivoting of service delivery systems in the target Countries. The incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda: 1) To proactively support the development and implementation support for Essential Health Packages in the country overall, and disaggregated by location, level of care, and public health function 2) Guide and explore the roles and functions of different service delivery models in delivery of the Essential Health Services. Specifically, this will look at Community delivery modalities (Community units, outreaches, community clinics), primary care facilities, including support of primary hospitals (general clinics, general referral services), primary hospitals, including support of specialist hospitals (specialist clinics, specialist referral services) and specialist hospitals 3) Lead the application of harmonized digital health solutions as a means for expanding service provision capacity in countries 4) To support the work within the country on defining and roll out of tools, and guidance for implementing integrated service delivery interventions. These include tools and guidance for Licensure and accreditation systems, Supervision and mentoring processes, Service standards, and health charters (describing user rights), accreditation and quality assurance systems, therapeutic standards, and care audits and Infection Prevention and Control. 5) To facilitate the design of service delivery approaches in the country, guiding how services will be provided. These include incorporation of the comprehensive PHC approach, person centred care approach 6)To perform other related responsibilities as assigned by the WHO Representative and/or the Assistant Regional Director’s office.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary.

• At least 3 (three) years’ practical experience working in essential services provision preferably at the sub national level • Experience with the compilation and analysis of large datasets from multiple sources. • Proven ability to document health services plans and/or reports such as through production of country statistical abstracts, sector review reports, health policy briefs, best practice documentations, and others. • Support to health systems development at the national and sub national (district, counties, provinces) levels Considered an asset: •
• Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations. • Experience of working in countries of the WHO African Region

Other Skills: • Advanced use of MS Office, particularly spreadsheets, data visualization and analysis tools, and databases • Design and management of information systems • Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) • Skill in use of one or more statistical analysis programs (e.g., R, STATA, SAS, SPSS) • Understanding of the necessary public health programs, • Excellent organizational skills.

The DRC is the third largest country in Africa and therefore it is very diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between WHO duty stations, with all the usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa. There are several supermarkets in town, but consumer items may fluctuate due to currency instability. For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. International UN personnel are permitted to reside only within an established residential security perimeter. Each international volunteer, like all international UN staff, is responsible for finding accommodation. The UNV field office in Kinshasa has established a communication network that connects deployed candidates to others already deployed in the DRC in order to facilitate the search for accommodation. The monetary unit is the Congolese franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may not be possible to exchange travelers checks outside the capital. Credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels and some supermarkets in Kinshasa. In major cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani) it is recommended to open bank accounts in US dollars, while in other places banks may be absent (including ATMs) and payments will be processed in cash. In addition to French, there are four major languages ​​spoken in the DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili. Kinshasa is currently a family duty station with level 2 security. The security situation in Kinshasa is calm. United Nations Volunteers, like all United Nations personnel, are called upon to scrupulously observe the security instructions of UNDSS (the United Nations security department) in the DRC. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.