TOR FOR HEALTH SYSTEMS ADVISOR FOR JUBALAND STATE OF SOMALIA

I.            General Information

Title of Secondment: Health Systems Advisor

Duty station: Kismayo, Jubaland state of Somalia

Supervisor: Director General of the Ministry of Health, JSS

Working at the Ministry of Health: Kismayo, Somalia

II.            Background

In pursuit of the national health policy vision, the health sector aims at producing a healthy and productive population that effectively contributes to socio-economic growth. This will be achieved by provision of accessible and quality healthcare and essential lifesaving services to all people in Somalia through delivery of affordable promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare including emergency obstetric and neonatal services. Therefore, the roles and contributions of all healthcare actors; the government, non-governmental and private sector remain pertinent in the development of the health sector

III.            Objective of the Assignment

With the above background in mind, the primary objective is to support the governance, leadership, policy and planning of the Jubaland State of Somalia’s health sector so as to strengthen the health system.

Under the overall supervision of the Minister of Health and with close working relations with the DG Ministry of Health, the Health Systems Advisor will seek to assist the Ministry and the Minister of Health with strengthening of health governance systems, regulatory frameworks, supporting state health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

The Health Systems Advisor will assist the Minister of Health by providing technical leadership to the Ministry to strengthen the transparent use of resources and enable citizen engagement in planning and monitoring, in addition to strengthening the production of results in health care at both national and federal member state levels.

IV.            Scope of work

Under the supervision of the Minister of Health, the Health Systems Advisor would be expected to carry out the following:

·        Support the Minister in understanding the required health sector reforms that can contribute to health systems strengthening.

·        Synthesize input and ideas from the State’s’ top leaders, the development partners, the private sector, non-profit organizations and the academic community into Somali health sector reform.

·        Work with government and all supporting donors to identify best practices and the conditions under which existing resources are most effectively used to improve performance of health systems.

·        In close collaboration with the relevant Program officers/Directors, ensure to provide close technical support, ensuring quality of project implementation, cross-learning and documentation, sharing lessons with relevant partners.

·        Support the ministry in the development of a programme vision that is strategically focused, responds to the patients needs and is coherent with the Health Sector Strategic plan.

·        In collaboration with the DG and minister, make recommendations on the strategic direction and areas of prioritization for the ministry.

·         Provide technical guidance, strategic advice and programmatic direction for the implementation of the program of work for promoting health governance, program implementation, policy, planning and leadership to the Minister.

·        Support the informing and operationalizing of key strategies, policies and guidance for the strengthening of the health systems, and on joint planning approaches with all stakeholders.

·        Actively participate in project annual work planning, design, implementation, and reporting particularly related to service delivery and governance activities designed to strengthen the health system.

·         In close collaboration with the health sector development partners, strengthen the government’s planning capacities as well as ability to develop and present policies.

·        Provide technical expertise and leadership to government leaders with guidance and technical assistance that enables them to understand policy options and strategies for improving health governance.

·        Provide advice on works with government, the private sector, non-government and community organizations and civil societies to mobilize coordination and harmonize support for health systems strengthening.

·        Disseminate appropriate and relevant scientific and evidence-based technical information in support of health governance, service delivery, policy and leadership.

·        Coordinate expert and knowledge management networks to support health systems strengthening, facilitate the documentation and communication of country experiences and inter-state collaboration in health governance, policy and leadership.

·        Support the capacity building of the staff members of the Ministry. This will involve transfer of knowledge, experience, and skills.

·        Support the with the Minister & DG to identify funding sources and support the development of concept notes and proposals.

·        Support and guide the program team to ensure all partners funding is managed in line with donor requirements and that reports are compliant with donor needs.

·        Ensure appropriate partner/donor engagement is carried out to showcase ministry’s work and attract further funding.

·        Identify a clear policy priority for the health, nutrition and WASH Programme and support in the development of an advocacy strategy.

·        Undertake other assignments/duties as requested by the Minister.

V.            Qualifications and Competencies: Required Skills

Education

University degree in one of the health sciences, social, or management sciences and a master's degree in health systems, health governance, health policy, public health or other field related to public health from an accredited institution.

Experience

·        5 years of work experience in, Programme/project formulation, management, and policy advice in the areas of governance health sector reform.

·        Strong work experience in similar conflict environments is desirable.

·        Previous work experience in Somalia health sector

Language requirements:

·        Fluency in written and spoken Somali and English.

Functional Competencies:

Accountability

·        Mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

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 activities.

Teamwork and respect for diversity

·        Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries.

·        Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

Leadership and Self-Management

·        Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.

·        Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

·        Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

·        Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Language requirements:

·        Somali and English are the working language for this assignment.

·        Knowledge of other languages are advantage.