Technical Officer, Health Systems Strengthening

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

A key purpose of the WHO Health System Strengthening Framework for Action is to promote a common understanding of what a health system is and what constitutes health systems strengthening. It also provides a basis to support countries in scaling up health systems and services: addressing bottlenecks in a collaborative, coordinated way, driven by desired health outcomes, to achieve sustainable system-wide effects. To be most effective, this process must be country-led, based on priorities set out in comprehensive national health plans

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1) Provide technical guidance and support in the development and implementation of robust district health system, programmes and plans.2) Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes in the areas of health systems development, health services organization and management supporting universal health coverage.3) Support the establishment of standards for the design, organization and functional health system programming and operation of district health systems based on primary health care, supporting universal health coverage, integrated health and pharmaceutical services networks including hospitals, integrated reproductive maternal, newborn and child health, public health infrastructure andservices.4) Provide support in implementation of essential health service package, taking into consideration the social and cultural aspects for theeffective use and access to services.5) Ensure continuity of care at emergencies particularly for people with chronic disorders, pregnantmothers, children under five years' morbidities and disabilities, etc. and provide measures to strengthen referral channels.6) Support identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services.7) Support the development, planning, and training of human resources in health at districts aimed atincreasing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the workforce; organize, conduct, orfacilitate capacity-building activities.8) Coordinate the planning and implementation of the technical activities pertaining to quality of care and the health services infrastructure (nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, medicines, vaccines, and medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices, health information system including vital statistics and medical record keeping) and priority programmes based on the needs of affected populations.9) Disseminate up-to-date knowledge and findings in the various areas of specialization; advise on the introduction and transfer of experiences and technologies through capacity-building processes.10) Support the development and consolidation of the district health information system to assist in the decision-making processes; provide information on the health situation, status and trends pertaining to the effective and efficient management of health services.11) Cooperate with district team members, national authorities, international cooperation agencies, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, in order to develop alliances and networks at district level that promote access to quality primary care services for the affected population.12) Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Afirstuniversity degree in public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in public health, health systems/services administration, health management or health related field from an accredited/recognized institute, or post-graduate qualification in policy analysis.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of progressive and related experience, at the national and international levels, inareas related to health policy, planning and management, health systems recovery and development, health services delivery in emergencies, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services, including essential medicines.
Desirable: Prior humanitarian working experience at field level with WHO, other UN agency, health cluster partners; recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization with expertise in disaster and health emergencies response.

Skills

1. Sound knowledge in public administration reform. 2. Proven skills in policy development, planning, monitoring and evaluating health systems.3. Demonstrated ability to provide sound methodological, technical advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders and partners in health sector reform and public administration reform. 4. Demonstrated ability to innovate, integrate, synthesize and communicate complex concepts and ideas verbally and in writing. 5. Ability to monitor and communicate progress in terms of process and results

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,120 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1413 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

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

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.