Job Description

National Professional Officer 

Under the overall guidance of the Public Health Administrator - (PHA) and the direct supervision of the Medical Officer- HSS and in close collaboration with teams within and outside WHO Country Office, the NPO-HSD will perform the following:

• Assist in management and coordination of the WHO collaborative activities in the area of health systems strengthening, including planning, steering and assessing the progress of programme implementation, periodic monitoring, ensuring compliance, reporting and programme evaluation and maintaining programme related information using corporate platforms;
• Support in situation analysis, identifying programmatic priorities and needs and issues related tohealth policy, strategies and plans; to provide advice on research agenda setting and technical contribution to support its implementation;
• Provide hands-on technical support on generating evidence for policy and programmatic decisions by screening and analyzing the information and trends, advise on priority setting across various aspects for strengthening health systems and public heath functions;
• Working closely with the member state institutions, provide technical support for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of health sector policies, strategies and plans;
• Facilitate national capacity building in managing public health programmes with a focus on evidence-based policies, integrated people-centered services and equitable provision of health services;
• Provide technical support on standard setting and ensuring quality of services across all levels of service provision;
• Coordinate and steer partnerships in developing innovative approaches to strengthen health systems and coordinate the collaborative initiatives and resource mobilization for the national health priority areas. This includes collaboration with relevant national officials, representatives of United Nations Agencies, multilateral and bilateral agencies, and nongovernmental organizations for harmonized approach;
• Undertake other tasks as and when assigned.

General Requirements:
Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the situation in Nepal with regard to health system development, planning policies, strategies `and practices with good understanding of the country’s needs and priorities;
• Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Government and colleagues;
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and network with authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors;
• Ability to draft reports/proposals/prepare presentations and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, respecting individual and cultural differences;
• Ability to move forward in a changing environment.
• Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines would be an advantage;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, respecting individual and cultural differences.

Technical expertise.

Competencies:

1. Teamwork 2. Communications 3. Producing results 4.Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Education (Qualification):

Essential: University Degree in Health, Social Sciences, Management or Economics, Health Systems /Management, Public Health, Public Health Administration or Health Policy

Desirable: Advanced University degree in Public Health, Health Economics, Financing, health policy and planning, or International Health

Experience:

Essential: At least five years of professional working experience in the field of public health administration, health systems policy and planning and/or management of international development programmes

Desirable: Professional experience in the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans and experience in a UN or international organization would be an asset.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of other UN language is desirable.

Other Skills: Good computer skills including office software applications. Knowledge of WHO corporate information systems and communications network an asset. Overall attitude to work encompassing self-awareness, self-management, ethics and integrity