Mission and objectives
World Health Organization’s (WHO) thirteenth general purpose of work (GPW 13) is based on the SDGs and is relevant to all countries – low, middle and high income. Health is fundamental to the SDGs and, in an interconnected world, WHO’s role in providing global public goods that help to ensure health for all people within and across national boundaries has never been more relevant. WHO’s unique status as a science- and evidence-based organization that sets globally applicable norms and standards makes it vital in a rapidly changing world. The Organization’s powerful voice for health and human rights is indispensable to ensure that no-one is left behind. Broad and sustained efforts are needed to build a community to work for the shared future of humankind, empowering all people to improve their health, address health determinants and respond to health challenges.
Context
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.
Task description
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 UNV Service Delivery System Officer 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: 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 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 Lead the application of harmonized digital health solutions as a means for expanding service provision capacity in countries 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. 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 centered care approach. 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.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in 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 The incumbent should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: Designing and implementing essential health service packages Different service delivery models – at community, primary care and specialist levels Digital health solutions, particularly in the provision of care Designing and implementing service delivery interventions The revitalized Primary Health Care approach, and Person-Centered Care Further, the following set of experience shall be considered an asset: 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. Other Desirable 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.
Area(s) of expertise
Health, Development programmes, Crisis and emergency response
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in public health and/or health systems or other health-related fields. Specialization in health systems development, routine and/or emergency situations is desirable.
Competencies and values
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. In addition, candidates should demonstrate the following values: Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions. Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and WHO in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WHO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.