Job Description
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The objectives of the programme include: 1) conducting evidence syntheses on policy interventions to maximize efficiency, access and quality of essential health services and identifying suitable policy options for health system reforms; 2) strengthening national capacities to develop health policies, strategies and plans within the context of UHC and SDG which reflect the country’s unique epidemiological and demographic profile, the level of economic and social development, status of health system, population’s demands and expectations and partnership environment;3) improving the service delivery to ensure PHC-oriented health system delivers integrated, equitable, high-impact and people-centered health services with financial protection and resilience to address people’s needs; and 4) conducting regular evaluation and analysis of national and subnational health systems and trends using comparable methods
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of WHO Representative and direct supervision of Public Health Administrator the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:
1. Provide assistance to Ministry of Health on the development, implementation, and evaluation of national health policies, strategies and plans and assist in technical consultations and policy dialogues.
2. Facilitate the organization of regular participatory mechanisms for assessing the health situation, evaluating of health system areas, and formulating strategic recommendations related to the health system components.
3. Coordinate conducting of evidence syntheses on policy interventions to maximize efficiency, access and quality of essential health services and identifying suitable policy options for health system reforms.
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4. Provide technical assistance related to the Integrated Health System matters mainly focusing on health services development, integrated health care delivery networks, quality of care and inter-programmatic initiatives on NCDs, family, gender and life course approaches.
5. Assist in developing tools, guidelines and innovative approaches related to evidence-informed policies on primary health care -shared care cluster system to strengthen the national health care system by expanding access to primary health care for tackling inequities and addressing broader determinants of health.
6. Support in developing and designing of performance measurement and evaluation framework, including resources needed for analyzing and interpreting data and implementing corrective actions for quality assurance, and management and improvement of the shared care cluster system for primary care.
7. Provide technical assistance in developing and implementing of human resources for health policies, strategies and plans to ensure equitable access to health services including primary health care and organize capacity building of the health care workers to meet the healthcare challenges.
8. Provide technical support to conduct health technology assessments, and develop health financing strategies.
9. Provide technical advice and support to national health authorities in innovative service delivery models which can address changing health needs including NCDs and needs of ageing populations.
10. Support in development and implementation of strategies for improving patient safety and quality of health services at the national level within the context of universal health coverage.
11. Collaborate in the preparation of the Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of national technical cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities.
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12. Draft necessary technical reports and documents as per requirements of the Organization, and to assist in preparation, organization and following-up of WHO-organized meetings.
13. Undertake any other related duties as assigned by the supervisors.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in public health or medicine from a recognized university.
Desirable: Professional training in evaluation, policy analysis, health system analysis, epidemiology, information management systems, and/or health programme management.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of relevant working experience at the national or sub-national level in monitoring and evaluation of programmes, policy analysis, planning/programming, research and health system analysis.
Desirable: Experience in establishing harmonious relationships with partners, within and outside of government. Familiarity with UN system in general and WHO in particular. Proven track record in managing primary care projects, developing evidence and operational research projects.
Skills
Good knowledge and experience in health policy and strategies, Health system evaluation and analysis, advance research methodologies, statistics, Health surveys and mapping. Skills in programme planning/development, health workforce training, monitoring/evaluation of interventions and in development of locally-adapted tools and instruments. Familiarity with functioning of government and its institutions. Good communication skills with proven aptitude for effective verbal and written communication. Ability to interact with health professionals at various levels. Ability to think strategically and work under tight deadlines on a results-oriented basis. Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions. Ability to motivate and manage colleagues to engage in broader aspects of work as part of a team beyond individual areas of work. Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills by working harmoniously as a member of a team, adapting to diverse educational, socio-political and cultural backgrounds and maintaining a high standard of personal conduct.
WHO Competencies
- Teamwork
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Communication
- Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
- Ensuring the effective use of resources
- Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Sinhalese/Tamil.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at LKR 9,074,832 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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:Â http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
- The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
- The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
- Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
- This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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