Purpose of consultancy

The Consultant will provide technical assistance to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to advance the interventions related to maternal and newborn healthcare program implementation at the provincial level. The technical assistance will enable the effective implementation of the WHO KOICA-supported project by supporting the delivery of strategic and results-based, operational planning, program budgeting, resource distribution, technical monitoring, evaluation, and reporting functions with an accent on provincial implementation while ensuring adherence to WHO organizational guidelines and standards.

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Solomon Islands supports the MHMS in increasing the quality of maternal and newborn care services.

The Solomon Islands has made significant progress in improving population health and education, and the efforts to achieve SDGs are ongoing. However, the progress is fragile and there are significant variations between and within the provinces. Almost 80 percent of the SI population lives in rural regions and reaching pregnant women in geographically isolated areas is a challenge. There are significant differences between provinces in terms of maternal and newborn health outcomes. The Ministry is supported by WHO to strengthen the provincial action and implement key interventions and the national level to advance maternal and child health in the Solomon Islands.

WHO and MHMS implement a multi-year program supported by the Korean Government (KOICA) to address key challenges in the health system related to satellite clinics, outreach, and provincial support.

Deliverables

Output 1: Ensure the KOICA project management and operations and implementation at the provincial level in Malaita, Western, and Guadalcanal Provinces of the Solomon Islands.
Deliverable 1.1: Coordinate and provide support to the Provincial Health Authorities in Malaita, Western, and Guadalcanal Provinces on the planning, implementation, and monitoring approach anchored in the WHO policies and procedures at the country level.
Deliverable 1.2: Facilitate technical dialogue during strategic and operational planning of the MHMS.

Deliverable 1.3: Provide technical input in the planning, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of KOICA-supported WHO activities for quality results and strategic decision-making.
Deliverable 1.4: Coordination of the overall results-based management of the provincial implementation of the country office including grants management, budget, work planning, and resource allocation to ensure the effective execution of the WHO country office maternal and newborn project at provincial level.
Deliverable 1.5: Ensure appropriate use of the project funds, to achieve results.
Deliverable 1.6: Organize various project management meetings, coordinate relevant activities, and ensure predictable follow-up on agreed action points with relevant stakeholders.
Deliverable 1.7: Prepare related elements for briefings, proposals, reports, communications, and advocacy documents required for the implementation of the KOICA-supported project on maternal and newborn health.

Work closely with the WHO Country Office Team to support the promotion of integrated approaches and cross-programme collaboration in the entire results-based management cycle.
Deliverable 1.8: Provide technical guidance and monitor the capacity-building of the government counterparts and WHO country office on all processes and tools for managing results.
Deliverable 1.9: Submit monthly progress report

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: First university degree (bachelor’s degree) in public health, public administration, management with formal training or certification in program planning, development implementation or monitoring and evaluation.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in public health, public administration, management, administration or a related field.

Experience

Essential: At least 3 years of experience in providing program or project management services in public-sector, international development, or public health programs at national and international levels. Experience in managing or implementing KOICA-supported projects.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Documented effective project, financial, and planning management skills.
• Demonstrated analytical, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to work comfortably in an international, multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the goals and procedures of international organizations (United Nations system, donors, major non-governmental organizations) and KOICA-funded health projects in countries.

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English