IMPORTANT: Under the UNDP JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of Norway. For the full requirements and information about the JPO Programme, please visit: https://www.undp.org/jposc

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department:
The Health Systems and Services Department (HSS) develops technical cooperation projects promoting progressive advances toward universal access to health and universal health coverage (universal health). These projects require:

• building and maintaining strong and resilient health systems;
• focusing on health governance and financing, health policies, strategies, and plans as well as people- centred, integrated, quality health services;
• improved access to and rational use of safe, effective, and quality medicines, medical products, and health technologies;
• strengthening regulation capacity; and
• an adequate availability of competent human resources for health, and a culturally appropriate, well regulated, well distributed, and fairly treated health workforce.

Assignment Summary:
Under the supervision of the National Officer Health Systems and Services Specialist, The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will develop a mapping of the innovations and best practices linked to the implementation of the universal health strategy in Uruguay; s/he will contribute to the formulation of public policies based on good practices; support the development of local plans for the implementation of integrated health services networks and will promote the articulation between programs and health services in a perspective of life and care centred on people, family and community. The JPO will support the generation of research, advocacy and governance capacities for the full exercise of essential public health functions.

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations

• Promote the health system research agenda, supporting the ability to gather evidence, report and document public good practices and lessons learned (25%)
• Contribute to the identification and targeting of health inequities and the inclusion of vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access to quality health services, strengthening the dynamics of integrated networks and the first level of care in the State Health Services Administration (25%)
• 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, participating in the Health Intelligence Node of Uruguay (NISU) (25%)
• Collaborate in the execution of the Country Cooperation Strategy 2022 – 2026 and the Biennial Work Plan (BWP) of the PAHO/WHO Country Office in Uruguay, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities (25%)

Qualifications and Experience:
Education:

• Minimum: Advanced university degree in public health, social sciences or related field
• Desirable: Additional postgraduate degree

Work experience:

• Minimum: At least 24 months of relevant and paid professional working experience
• Desirable: Professional experience on international organizations or at country level

Skills required for the assignment:

• Minimum: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written Spanish. Working knowledge of English
• Desirable: Knowledge of other official languages of WHO would be and asset

WHO competencies required for the assignment:
1. Teamwork
2. Communication
3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

• A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you’re the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Master degree

Upon completion of the assignment, the JPO will have / be able to …

1. In the first 4 months – Develop in depth understanding and skills on health public policies implementation cycle related to the universal health strategy. Induction process; on-the-job training; active participation on key meetings; draft papers preparation; seminars presentations
2. From 7 months up to the end of the mission –  Know Health systems and services management and governance evaluation – Revision of essential public health functions documents; online conferences with experts; field visits
3. Since the beginning of the mission up to the end – Apply research with qualitative and quantitative methods
Systematic review of updated scientific publications; preparation of papers and applying tools for systematization and knowledge dissemination
4. Since the beginning of the mission up to the end – Develop capacities on health diplomacy and resource mobilization Revision of PAHO public health virtual campus’ courses; on-the-job training; direct involvement in field visits, projects preparations and meetings with key stakeholders.

The progress towards achieving the objectives will be evaluated annually by the JPO together with the first and second level supervisors. Achievement will be against WHO’s Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).