Advisor, Health Systems and Services - World Health Organization

CLOSING DATE: February 4, 2021

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Job

JOB #: 16744

POSTED: January 4, 2021

Description:

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT - multiple locations

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal access to health and universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening of health systems stewardship and governance to achieve universal access to health and address the social determinants of health, including social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR), and the technical guidance of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:

1.       Advise and collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical cooperation programs in the areas of health governance, health policy and systems development, health services organization and management supporting universal health coverage;

2.       Promote and support the establishment of policies, norms and standards for the design, organization and functional programming and operation of health systems based on primary health care, supporting universal health coverage, integrated health services networks including hospital and other health facilities and services, and public health infrastructure and services;

3.       Provide technical cooperation for the development of health services, with emphasis on primary health care supporting universal health coverage, and the structure and operation of local health systems that provide a setting for the joint participation of the public sector social security systems, the private sector, and government agencies;

4.       Support the governance and development of social protection systems and other institutional and nongovernmental sectors, in the context of national health policies and plans, as part of the development and strengthening of the steering role of the sector and health care systems;

5.       Collaborate in the organization and management of health systems and services, and their units, with an emphasis on the reorganization and reorientation of the health sector and central and local health systems;

6.       Implement, monitor, and evaluate sectoral projects aimed at achieving efficiency, effectiveness, improved quality, and sustainability of national health services and systems;

7.       Advise on decision-making processes regarding collective options for, and implementation of, programs for universal access to quality care.  Support the implementation of plans to strengthen national health information systems and participate in health systems and services research to inform policy and decision-making, while facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and information;

8.       Collaborate in the development and implementation of programs to strengthen the steering and coordination role of the ministries of health in all its dimensions;

9.       Promote the health system research agenda, supporting the ability to gather evidence and report, document and publicize good practices and lessons learned;

10.      Contribute to the identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services;

11.      Contribute to the development, planning, and training of Human Resources in Health aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the workforce; organize, conduct, or facilitate capacity-building activities;

12.      Provide advice and technical support to every component related to quality of care and the health services infrastructure (nursing, drugs, and medicine, support and logistic services, diagnostic and therapeutic, health information system including vital statistics and medical record) and priority programs based on family and community approach;

13.      Coordinate the delivery of technical cooperation in the areas of oral health, ocular health, rehabilitation, essential medicines and health technologies, emergency healthcare services, and emergency and disaster preparedness;

14.      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 and inter-country collaboration;

15.      Support the development and consolidation of the information system to assist in the decision-making processes and provide the necessary information on the health situation and trends in order to contribute to the consolidation of the strategic administration processes and the effective and efficient management of health services;

16.      Cooperate with WHO, regional and country offices, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centers, international cooperation agencies, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, private sector and other relevant stakeholders, in order to develop alliances and networks that promote access to quality primary care services, particularly for those most in need;

17.      Collaborate in the preparation of the Representation´s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;

18.      Oversee multi-functional technical program activities involving a broad and complex range of public health programs, in close coordination and consultation with technical Departments in Headquarters; manage multiple projects and programs; develop and implement strategies and plans for meeting the approved biennial work plan of the Country;

19.      Contribute to strengthening an interprogrammatic approach to the implementation of the BWP and to support teamwork and collaboration in the country office.  

20.      When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;

21.      Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Skills/Eligibility:

ducation:

Essential: A university degree in one of the health, social or management sciences, and a master’s degree in public health, health systems and services administration or management or in any of the fields related to the functions of the post, from a recognized institution.

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/.  PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in areas related to health systems development, health services delivery, extension of health care services to underserved populations/areas, and developing strategies to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. Experience should also include management of health care services at either the facility or systems levels. 

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