Roster for Health Systems Officer

Overview of the programme

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving financial protection against health-related risks.

The Health Systems Team of the Country Office contributes to providing technical support in developing policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (i) advocating for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and building up national capacity in UHC-related matters (ii) facilitating the adoption of evidence -based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards UHC.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying

(i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South – East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Maldives, Timor Leste, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Thailand), share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for UHC.

The Health Sustainable Developments Goals (h-SDG) have UHC as the overarching goal to achieve all other health related global targets. In order to achieve UHC, it is widely recognized that investments are needed in national health systems based on a strong primary health care model.

The 2017 National Health Policy reflects the commitment of the Government of India to progress towards UHC. The Ayushman Bharat Program (ABP) aims to address health holistically by expanding a range of essential health services for Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through Health and Wellness Centers (HWC) and increasing financial protection through Health Insurance

WHO India is providing technical support to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India and NITI Aayog, amongst others, on ABP at the national level and select states.

The objective of the initiative is to provide technical assistance to the state government for health system strengthening and contributing towards achievement of UHC and health SDG’s.

Description of Duties:

In the context of the 13th General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (2019-23), the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in:

• Accelerating progress on universal health coverage
• Promoting health and wellness by addressing determinants of health
• Better protect the population against health emergencies
• Enhancing India’s global leadership in health

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India, Deputy Head of WHO Country Office for India, direct supervision of Team Leader (Health systems) and in close collaboration with the Health Systems team (HS team) of WHO India. S/he will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

• Contribute to the development, integration and operationalization of state health policies and plans for timely implementation and scale up of the ABP, with attention to comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC) and measures for financial protection as per state demand;
• Engage in policy dialogue for strengthening the state health systems;
• Identify and develop context-specific service delivery models and workflow dynamics in a geographically defined area, with attention to gender, rights and equity principles;
• Build capacity for analysis, development and planning of the health workforce, mid-level healthcare providers and comprehensive PHC teams;
• Provide regular feedback and guidance to the state government based on evidence from monitoring of activities at the state and sub-state levels;
• Liaison with WHO HS team on providing support to the state on health financing and health insurance related issues;
• Mobilize WHO support on access to medicines, diagnostics and blood products;
• Advocate for, monitor and share information on progress towards SDGs and UHC.
• Collaborate with and foster partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders for health systems strengthening at state level;
• Undertake any other activities / tasks as assigned by the supervisors.

Education:

Essential:

A university degree in health or social sciences and a master’s degree in public health or health systems and services.

Desirable:

Post graduate degree in community medicine; health economics; health administration or in any of the fields related to the functions of the post.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

Good understanding of the Indian health system, health policies and governance structures.

Excellent communication, teamwork and coordination skills as well as strong analytical skills and experience with technical reporting.

Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and working knowledge of at least one other national language will be an asset.

Experience:

Essential: At least five years of demonstrable experience in delivering health care services and implementation of health programs at the district or state level. Relevant experience in health planning and monitoring.

Desirable: Seven years or more experience in policy, planning and monitoring of health systems and/or public health programs at the district or state level. Applicants having experience in working with government health officials, other health actors and working with UN agencies shall be at an advantage.

Additional Information:

Monthly remuneration is INR 180,759 taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he could be posted anywhere in India as per the project needs.

Health System Officer is a national of the country (India) in which he/she is to serve, is recruited locally and is not subject to assignment to any official station outside the home country. Only Indian nationals should apply.

The incumbent should contribute to ensuring high professional, ethical, and institutional standards of the Organization. S/he should also meet professional conduct expectations, and basic universal norms of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and lawful behavior. This includes compliance with the above, including ability to: perform within existing organizational structures and governance; adhere to WHO's processes; demonstrate gender and cultural sensitivity; demonstrate respectful and constructive interpersonal communication; perform as a team player; and demonstrate due diligence.

Those who are interested may wish to go to following link and apply:

http://www.who.int/careers/en/

Applications which are not completed in all respects will not be considered.

‘‘WHO IS COMMITTED TO WORKFORCE DIVERSITY”

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill similar vacancies at different locations in future at the same grade level.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco