National STC on primary health care review (WHO)

Call for Expressions of Interest and Proposal

#VN010 - Job Title: National STC on primary health care review

1. Background:

WHO CO in Viet Nam is providing technical assistance to the government of Viet Nam in health system strengthening which covers a wide range of issues from financing, service delivery, human resource, to governance. The work further focuses on different aspects of care such as primary care and hospital-based care, quality and safety, and the integration of care across care providers as well as across the care levels.

Since the country economic reform from centralised and government-led model to market-oriented economy known as “doi moi”, Viet Nam health care system is constantly in a changing and transforming process. In this process, more resources have been made available for health, however, new and unprecedented challenges have also emerged such as the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and rapid population ageing. However, the health service delivery system is slow in adapting and re-orienting to better meet the specific and complex needs of NCD patients and ageing population. Further, the service delivery system is heavily relying on hospital care leading to hospital overloading at provincial and central levels while primary care has been underutilised and underprovided. These issues directly or indirectly affect quality of care, health outcomes and patient experiences and satisfaction. WHO country office in Viet Nam is planning to conduct a comprehensive review of the primary health care (PHC) system to understand the obstacles and issues that affect the adequate provision and quality of primary care, to inform the health policy decision and the system reform process.

The purpose of these TORs is to provide technical support to the WHO country office in Viet Nam in conducting a review of the primary care system.

The above proposed activity is in line with WHO’s 13th Global Program of Work (GPW 13) and contributing to its triple billion goals. Specifically, this activity will contribute to the achievement of GPW 13’s Output 1.1.1 - Countries enabled to provide high quality, people-centred health services, based on PHC strategies and comprehensive essential service packages.

2. Work to be performed

2.1 Method(s) to carry out the activity

The consultant will deliver the work off site under the supervision of the WHO technical officer. However, the consultant is expected to work on site, when and where appropriate and requested by WHO technical officer

2.2 Output/s

Outline clear tasks and deliverables, to be carried out in the framework of the background described above.

These need to be time-bound and specific.

Under the supervision of the UHC Team’s Coordinator at the WHO Representative Office for Viet Nam, the consultant will provide technical assistance to the WHO country office in conducting the PHC review and work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam.

The consultant will be required to report to the WHO Representative Office for Viet Nam, at a part-time arrangement, during 2023 and for a maximum of 90 days, and deliver the following outputs.

2.3 Outputs

Output 1: Technical assistance provided in designing the PHC review, including methodology, survey tools, and the review implementation plan
- Deliverable 1: inputs provided in the designing and planning of the PHC review
- Time frame: Mar 23 – May 23 (estimated 20 working days)
Output 2: Support provided in coordinating and overseeing the field work of the PHC review implementation, focusing on organizational and management structure of PHC system
- Deliverable 2: monitoring and reporting on the overall process of the PHC review
- Time frame: May 23 – Jul 23 (estimated 30 working days)
Output 3: Technical assistance provided in compiling the review report, including technical inputs to the review, and attending consultation workshops
- Deliverable 3: inputs made into the primary care review report
- Time frame: Aug 23 – Dec 23 (estimated max 40 days)

3. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 15 March 2023
End date: 31 Dec 2023
90 working days

4. Specific requirements

Identify the educational qualifications and expertise needed for the terms of reference outlined above.

a. Qualifications required:

Essential: Master degree in health or public health related sciences from a recognized university
Desirable: A PhD degree in relevant areas including public health, health service delivery, health financing, health policy and planning, health administration, from a recognized university

b. Experience required:

Essential: At least 5 – 10 years of work experiences in relevant areas of public health of which at least 3 years of experiences in conducting and leading research in health system related fields.
Desirable: Previous experience working in health and development or relevant UN organizations

c. Skills/Technical and knowledge

Knowledge on the role and current challenges of Viet Nam health service delivery system including grass root healthcare system and hospital healthcare system
Knowledge on prevention and management of main communicable and non-communicable disease of public health importance, at grassroot healthcare level in Viet Nam

d. Language requirements: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and Vietnamese

e. Competencies

Good coordination and communication skills across different technical programs and partners.
Ability to establish harmonious working relationships and teamwork and adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain high level of personal conduct.
Ability to demonstrate gender equality and cultural appropriateness within the office and among partners.
Fostering integration and teamwork

5. Place of assignment

Under the guidance of the UHC-HLE Team Coordinator and relevant technical staff, the consultant will be based off-site and expected to work at WHO’s office when requested by WHO technical officer.

6. Medical clearance

A fitness of work clearance will be required, including for off-site consultants.

7. Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel where and when required by the Manager. Any travel will follow the appropriate WHO rules and regulations for travel and be arranged by WHO.

8. Budget

Please take note of the following when submitting application:

The contractor will be responsible for paying taxes, if any.

Those who are interested can contact our focal person with contact detail at the end of the announcement before 10th March 2023