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.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to WHO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Serve as WHO focal point for service delivery systems support with a focus at the sub national level, to ensure efficient attainment of UHC, health security and health determinants results in the country. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

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

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. • 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

The core competencies required of the candidates include: 1) Communicating in a credible and effective way 2) Knowing and managing yourself 3) Producing results 4) Fostering integration and teamwork 5) Respecting and promoting cultural differences.

Expected functional Skills and Knowledge The incumbent should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: (i) Designing and implementing essential health service packages (ii) Different service delivery models – at community, primary care and specialist levels (iii) Digital health solutions, particularly in the provision of care (iv) Designing and implementing service delivery interventions (v) The revitalized Primary Health Care approach, and Person-Centered Care

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.

Recent reports from IGAD and parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan show good progress and goodwill towards implementation of the peace agreement. The improving security situation across the country that was once engulfed in fighting has built positively to national security and stability. Security in Juba (Duty Station) is calm with curfew which currently runs from 19.00hrs to 06.00hrs. There are thousands of multinationals in the country supporting various humanitarian, development and peacekeeping activities. However, South Sudan remains a unique country and is in a unique (humanitarian) operation. 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.