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.

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.

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.