The mission of the Division of Health Sector Development (DHS) is to support countries to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes.Health sector development acts as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and under-served population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. A strong health system also promotes appropriate integration of pro-poor, equity-enhancing, gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches.
Reports to the Regional Director and Director, Programme Management advising on policy and technical matters in the areas of health sector development including governance and financing health systems, service delivery, human resources for health development, essential medicines and technology, information, evidence and research. The incumbent will lead efforts in resources mobilization with the assistance of the Team Leaders and other relavant staff. He/she will encourage inter-programmatic collaborations as well as broker and coordinate partnerships, information sharing and exchange. He/She is expected to exercise a high degree of initiative and innovation in managing his/her programmes.
Responsibilities:
1. Ensure that the Division’s technical cooperation in all of its focus is consistent with the Regional Office’s organizational goal and principles, and is contributing towards the Organization’s corporate strategies;
2. Liaise effectively with HQ directors to stay abreast with global developments and ensure that regional perspectives are being presented and taken into account in global discussion in health sector development
3. Collaborate with other Division Directors on technical, administrative and financial matters of common interest, as well as serve as a member in the Regional Director’s advisory committee (cabinet) and on cross-cutting task force and other committees in the Regional Office as assigned by the Regional Director;
4. Lead, direct and manage the division; coordinate and supervise the units within DHS through providing strategic direction and technical leadership, prescribing work processes and driving the execution of plans and programmes, and fostering greater cross-linkages and synergy between and within units;
5. Build and nurture a competent team by securing the best resources, allotting learning opportunities, providing ongoing coaching and feedback and setting up an enabling environment geared towards productivity and results; to set clear performance expectations, delegate effectively, and monitor and measure progress against objectives;
6. Participate in and guide the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Division’s programmes through:
(a) undertaking the assessment and evaluate the progress of plans/programmes in these areas;
(b) in consultation, coordination and close collaboration with WHO Representatives and other stakeholders, supporting the development of national plans and implementation of programmes in accordance with Member States’ mandates, World Health Assembly and Regional Committee for the Western Pacific resolutions and country cooperation strategy (CCS) whenever available;
(c) examining critically all plans of operations within the Division’s fields of competence in cooperation with the Team Leaders and WHO Representatives to make appropriate recommendations;
(d) conducting regular evaluations of the effectiveness of the technical cooperation within the Division’s assigned fields in collaboration with the Team Leaders;
(e) ensuring that technical cooperation, implementation of new strategies and guidelines and other products within the fields assigned to the Division are coordinated with the proper national counterparts from the planning to the implementation phase;
7. Promote and build strategic alliances and partnerships across an extensive network of contacts including with donor partners and other key players in health; to collaborate with this network to set objectives and implement programmes, in order to leverage ideas, promote mutual values and mobilize resources and funds;
8. To oversee and provide overall direction in all advocacy and communication activities of the division: to offer technical input as necessary; to present technical briefings to ensure accurate and consistent delivery of corporate messages and WHO advice by division staff members;
9. When so assigned and designated, act as Director, Programme Management or Officer-in-Charge as required;
10. Prepare technical reports, speeches and other documents as required primarily within the Division’s field of competence;
11 Perform other related duties as required.
Essential: Degree in medicine, public health, social science or a related field and post-graduate degree in public health, health management or a related field.
Essential: Over ten years of experience, including international experience in health policies and health systems. Experience in leading a team, international collaboration, planning and programme management.
Desirable: Experience in the field of health system research, in successful networking with key stakeholders in relevant fields including advocacy, communication and resource mobilization. Experience working in developing countries, particularly Asia and the Pacific is highly desirable.
Sound knowledge on health policies and systems
Solid set of management, technical, communication, public relations, networking, administrative and financial resources mobilization skills in those areas relevant to the Division’s work
Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Promoting the Organization’s position in health Leadership
Building and promoting partnership across the Organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN official language.
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 106,023 (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 4055 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.