National Consultant (UHC)

VN056 - Job Title: National Consultant to provide technical support in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the focus on primary care, service delivery quality and integration.

Background:

WHO CO in Vietnam is providing technical assistance to the government of Vietnam in health system strengthening which covers a wide range of issues from financing, service delivery, human resource, to governance. The work further focus 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”, Vietnam 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 are also emerged such as the system fragmentation with hospital centric trend, cost escalation, while primary care have been underprovided. These issues directly or indirectly affect quality of care, health outcomes and patient experiences and satisfaction. Furthermore, the country is increasingly facing growing burden of non-communicable diseases and rapid population ageing, while service arrangement and delivery is slow in adapting and re-orienting to better meet the specific and complex needs of NCD and ageing population.

To address service delivery quality and integration, and improving primary care, .WHO is promoting multiple strategies and interventions. To improve primary care, WHO is advocating for life-course approach, strengthening provision of primary care, and better integration of physical with behavioral healthcare, as well as integration of health and social care, at primary care settings. In terms of quality and patient safety, WHO is supporting the Government of Viet Nam in health professional education reform, including strengthening of health workforce regulations such as the setting of competency standards and assessment of health professionals.

The purpose of these TORs is to strengthen the country office’s technical capacity in supporting the Government of Vietnam in adoption of the new service delivery model and in preparing appropriate human resources towards people centred integrated service delivery system in Vietnam.

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-centered health services, based on PHC strategies and comprehensive essential service packages.

1. Work to be performed

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)
Start date: 01 Feb 2023
End date: 01 Dec 2023
The expected timeline for the full-time consultancy.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Output/s

Under the supervision of the Health System Team’s Coordinator at the WHO Representative Office for Viet Nam, the consultant will provide technical assistance provision to the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam.

The consultant will be required to report to the WHO Representative Office for Viet Nam at full time basis and deliver following outputs.

Outputs

Output 1: Technical assistance provided in the area of people centred integrated primary care

+ Deliverable 1: monitoring report on the pilot of integrated care model for older people, implemented at primary level in selected provinces

+ Time frame: Apr 23 – Oct 23

Output 2: Support provided in the regulation of the health workforce, including setting of competency standards and licensing of health practitioners

+ Deliverable 2: inputs made to draft legislation and related documents on health workforce regulation

+ Time frame: Feb 23 – Sept 23

Output 3: Technical assistance provided in the comprehensive review of primary care

+ Deliverable 3: inputs made into the primary care review report

+ Time frame: Feb 23 – Dec 23

2. Specific requirements

a. Qualifications required:

Essential: University degree in Medicine or other health or public health related sciences from a recognized university
Desirable: A postgraduate degree in relevant areas including public health, health service delivery management, quality assurance, health policy and planning, health administration, from a recognized university

b. Experience required:

Essential: At least 5 years experiences in relevant areas including clinical medicine and public health
Desirable: Previous experience working in development or health development or relevant UN organizations

c. Skills/Technical and knowledge

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

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

e. Competencies

Good coordination and communication skills across different technical programmes 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

On site: Ha Noi, Viet Nam (the consultant is expected to work full time at the WHO Representative Office in Viet Nam)

6. Medical clearance: A fitness to work clearance is needed.

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 submit your most updated CV and application letter indicating post title and vacancy notice # on/or 16 December 2022 and should be addressed to: