JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Publication for

Partner

Partner Name

WHO World Health Organization

Position Title

Technical Specialist – Restructuring and Integration of Health (Retainer)

Job Category

Programme

Duty Station(s)

Dhaka

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 10

Posting Start Date

20-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

27-Nov-2025

Duration

3 months

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant health sector reforms in Bangladesh, working closely with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the World Health Organization. The role offers a unique chance to shape the future of healthcare in the country, enhance your project management and coordination skills, and gain valuable experience in international health development.

About the Project Office

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh”s health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled “Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh”, outlining –
“the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication. The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives.

Job Specific Context

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of Bangladesh currently operates through two distinct divisions – Health Service Division and Medical Education and Family Welfare Division—each overseeing complementary but interdependent areas of health service delivery, medical education, and family welfare. Over time, this bifurcation has contributed to overlaps, inefficiencies, and fragmented coordination across the health system.

As part of the ongoing health sector reform efforts, the Government of Bangladesh aims to establish a unified and integrated health administration structure that promotes coherence between service delivery, public health, and medical education. The Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 recommended structural integration and the creation of new directorates to ensure strategic focus and operational effectiveness in priority areas.

The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.

This assignment seeks to develop a restructuring framework that aligns with the Government’s broader reform goals and the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Role Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to review and revise the existing structure of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with a view to improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability through the integration of the Health Service Division (HSD) and the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (ME and FPD). The consultant will also develop the concept and framework for the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services in alignment with the recommendations of the Health Sector Reform Commission Report 2025 and the national health reform agenda including the rules of business.

Objectives of the Assignment

• Review the current organizational structure, mandates, and operational frameworks of HSD and MoME &FW.
• Identify overlaps, gaps, and areas for integration to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Develop the conceptual and functional framework for an integrated MoHFW structure.
• Propose the establishment of new directorates for Public Health and Primary Health Care, Medical Education and Research, and Clinical Services.
• Prepare draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines for the restructured ministry.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Scope, Responsibilities, and Methodology

• Review and analyze the existing organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms of HSD and MEFWD.
• Assess overlaps, gaps, and functional relationships between divisions, directorates, and subordinate institutions.
• Develop the concept and framework for the revised structure of health administration through integration of the two divisions, ensuring alignment with national reform priorities.
• Propose the establishment of new directorates for:
• Public Health and Primary Health Care
• Medical Education and Research
• Clinical Services
• Define mandates, functions, reporting lines, and resource requirements for each new directorate.
• Draft Rules of Business, organizational charts, and operational guidelines to support implementation of the new structure.
• Facilitate consultations and validation workshops with MoHFW leadership, DGHS, DGME, and development partners.
• Prepare a phased implementation plan including change management, capacity development, and monitoring arrangements.

Expected Deliverables:

SL#

Deliverables

Description

1

Situational Analysis and Institutional Review – Conduct desk review, data collection, and institutional assessment of existing MoHFW structures, divisions, and directorates to identify overlaps, functional gaps, and reform opportunities.

Situation Analysis and Institutional Review Report – Comprehensive review of current MoHFW organizational setup, mandates, and coordination mechanisms with analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and reform needs.

2

Design of Integrated MoHFW Structure – Develop a draft proposal for an integrated and streamlined MoHFW structure aligning Health Services Division (HSD) and Medical Education & Family Welfare Division (ME&FWD) functions.

Comprehensive Proposal for Integrated MoHFW Structure and New Directorates – Including conceptual framework, governance model, and coordination mechanisms.

3

Development of Directorate Mandates and Organizational Frameworks – Define roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for proposed new directorates (Public Health & Primary Health Care; Medical Education & Research; Clinical Services).

Defined Mandates and Organizational Frameworks for New Directorates – Detailed ToRs, functional linkages, and proposed staffing structures.

4

Preparation of Final Restructuring Framework and Transition Plan – Finalize a consolidated framework including Rules of Business, operational guidelines, and a phased implementation and resource plan for institutional transition.

Final Restructuring Framework – Comprehensive document integrating Rules of Business, operational guidelines, implementation roadmap, and resource mobilization plan.

5

Consultation, Validation, and Presentation – Conduct high-level consultations and a validation workshop with WHO, MoHFW, DGHS, DGME, DGFP, WHO, UNOPS, and other key stakeholders to present the final framework and agree on the implementation roadmap.

Technical Presentation / Workshop Materials – Presentation slides, consultation summary, and validated roadmap endorsed by stakeholders.

6

Final Submission and Handover – Submit the consolidated final report and all annexes, datasets, and technical documentation to MoHFW and UNOPS.

Final Consolidated Report – Complete set of endorsed deliverables formally submitted and accepted.

Skills

Organizational Development, Policy Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Effective communication

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in medical science with an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, or Public Administration.

Desired

• PhD in Public Health, Health Systems, or related field is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least 5 years of professional experience in institutional reform, public administration restructuring, or health governance.
• Proven experience in developing organizational frameworks, rules of business, or directorate-level reforms in the public sector.
• Strong understanding of the Bangladesh health system, public administration structure, and government reform processes.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills in English.

Desired

• Experience in large-scale program design and sector program planning.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in multi-stakeholder processes and policy dialogues.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredBengaliFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.