Purpose of the consultancy

The general purpose of this consultancy is to support the Health Law and Ethics Unit in taking context driven approach to addressing better informed technical assistance and better targeted knowledge products designed to provide guidance in the use of legislation to meet health system priorities in the Pacific. Specifically, the consultant will support the Health Law and Ethics Unit to establish a program of work within the Pacific region focused on the improvement of legislative arrangements for health administration.

Background

Law plays an important role in health system design and in turn, health system performance. To varying extents and in different ways (across jurisdictions) it establishes the public administration architecture for health including establishment of relevant public agencies and definition of their functions, powers and responsibilities, and means through which the health system imposes and maintains standards and enables coordination and accountability.  There is additional important and related health system architecture which supports health system functioning which may include partnerships, workforce and financing.

These are foundational components to the functionality of the health system however the research and theory that underpins their design is very limited.  This limitation and corresponding need are particularly acute for the Pacific region, where functionality of Government institutions is a key opportunity for health system improvement.

It is proposed to review the current legislative arrangements for health administration across the Pacific and develop practical technical guidance based on modular model components. It is proposed to take an implementation focus on the review and guidance. That is, focus the review on the extent to which the existing arrangements are implemented and effective; and the guidance on how to improve ‘implementability’ in the specific Pacific contextual settings (to the extent these can be generalised whilst maintaining relevance). In developing the guidance, it is proposed to draw on the contemporary body of literature on regulation theory, noting the need for significant work in transferring it the particular field of interest under this proposal.

Deliverables

Output 1. Support the continuing process of reviewing the Health Services Act  in Solomon Islands
Deliverable 1.1: Provide input and advice on relevant policy documentation.
Deliverable 1.2: Prepare drafting instructions and other key processes in coordination with the Solomon Islands MHMS and the WHO Country Office.

Output 2. Provide high-level advisory support to legislative review work in Papua New Guinea that is being supported by WHO.
Deliverable 2.1: Review PNG health system laws, including participation in key meetings.
Deliverable 2.2: Review draft documentations, in coordination with the PNG Department of Health and the WHO Country Office.

Output 3. Support the design and content development for the Health Law Tool and other related Deliverable 3.1: Provide technical input on the development of guidance and communication materials, based on expertise.
Deliverable 3.2: Participate and provide technical input on the legislative reviews in Solomon Islands and PNG.

Output 4. Provide general advisory support to the work of HLE and HLE team members as reasonably requested by the HLE Coordinator.
Deliverable 4.1: Participation in regular HLE meetings and review and comment on technical documents.

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Advanced university degree in law and/or public administration or equivalent.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in health system design, health sector administration, policy, and law.
Desirable: Experience in the review of health administration laws including in the Pacific region. Relevant work experience at senior level position.

Skills/Knowledge

Proven ability to review health related legislation and develop guidance materials for countries.
Strong analytical skills and high-level experience in written and oral communication.

Languages and level required

Expert in written and spoken English

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel to several Pacific Island countries – Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, PNG, Solomon Isalnds and Tuvalu between June to December 2024.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Payband level B – USD 9,000 – USD 9,9800/month
Expected duration of contract: 11 months, estimated start date: 17 June 2024

Additional Information

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