Consultant for Health System Strengthening Assessment (retainer)

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS provides health infrastructure, procurement and fund management services to our partners (Governments, UN organizations, International Financial Institutions, multilateral organisations) in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From constructing hospitals, to procuring pharmaceuticals or medical equipment, UNOPS is working to deliver sustainable health outcomes for millions of people.

In recent years, the demand for health related services from our partners has increased significantly. UNOPS has built a strong track record in health and supporting partners in SDG 3 remains a key priority for the organisation going forward. The strategic plan 2022 – 24 highlights’ ‘’strong demand in the health sector and for activities related to SDG3’’. This is backed up by the 2021 Partner Survey where nearly 40% partners stated SDG 3 Health is where they required UNOPS future support (up 17%) making it the #1 ranked SDG where UNOPS services are needed.

UNOPS’ partner’s focus on Health System Strengthening and Resilience (HSSR) has increased in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, in recognition that stronger and more resilient health systems are critical to prepare for, adapt to, and manage near- and long-term pandemic, climate and other emergencies with health consequences.

UNOPS is well positioned to support partners in achieving their HSSR priorities. UNOPS mandate in infrastructure, procurement and project management has clear alignment with a number of the HSSR ‘building blocks’. This is illustrated clearly in UNOPS health portfolio with a track record of delivering high quality, time bound projects in the context of strengthening health systems.

Despite HSS being the strongest health priority for many of UNOPS’ partners, there is a lack of clear understanding internally and externally of the potential relevance of UNOPS services across (and beyond) the 6 building blocks and how UNOPS can support partners more broadly across HSS. Partnership colleagues at all levels (global, regional, country) would benefit from a series of targeted value propositions and HSSR service packages that could be tailored to address specific partners’ HSSR needs.

Specifically UNOPS would like to increase the understanding of:

• The HSSR related services that UNOPS has: i) a strong track record in implementing; ii) has limited track record but potential to scale; iii) no track record but should explore in building capabilities. This mapping will take into account UNOPS operational mandate and project implementation support role as well as other agencies clear policy and thematic mandates.
• The strengths and weaknesses related to UNOPS ability to implement the above services effectively; how the services contribute to the SDGs: whether they are relevant on a facility, community, provincial, national or global level; key forward looking trends and cross cutting priorities of HSSR; and project examples.
• An overall picture of the full value proposition (established and to be potentially established) for UNOPS services in relation to HSSR.
• Strategic options moving forward to strengthen UNOPS value proposition for HSS.

Important note: UNOPS support partners achieve their goals through project implementation support. HSSR or health related policy is outside the scope of UNOPS. As such this assignment and exercise is aimed at increasing UNOPS value proposition for supporting partners who have a need for operational support (linked to UNOPS mandated service areas) to achieve their HSSR priorities.

This retainer assignment can be performed home-based, over a 6 months period. Please enclose a CV and cover letter describing how your experience is relevant to this assignment.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Partnerships Specialist and Geneva Liaison Officer, at the Partnership’s Liaisons Group, the selected candidate will be responsible for conducting extensive consultations with key internal stakeholders in all UNOPS regions, and in key country offices and business units. The consultations will be focused on:

Mapping UNOPS existing and potential future services for HSSR

• The expert will be expected to map the specific value propositions and UNOPS services in relation to supporting partners to strengthen their health systems delivery and resilience. This will include the HSSR related services that UNOPS has: i) a strong track record in implementing; ii) has limited track record but potential to scale; iii) no track record but should explore in building capabilities, as related to UNOPS mandate and strategy whilst taking into account other agencies mandates.
• The mapping of the services should include: which of the HSS building blocks UNOPS project is related to; strengths and weaknesses related to UNOPS ability to implement effectively; how the services contribute to the SDGs: whether they are relevant on a facility, community, provincial, national or global level; key forward looking trends and cross cutting priorities of HSSR; and project examples.
• Simultaneously the expert should also collate the needs and perspectives of the country offices, regions, HQ units in regards to how best to strengthen future positioning of UNOPS in the context of HSSR.

Visual representation of UNOPS value proposition

• Following this mapping the consultant should make an initial attempt of visually representing UNOPS various service offerings across HSSR in an overall value proposition. The visual should clearly represent the outcomes of the findings of the mapping with the intention to explain internally our overall value proposition, guide strategic decisions for further investment in the area and form the basis for future partner facing resources.

Suggested actions and recommendations

• Off the back of the above consultations and mapping, as well as leveraging their own insights, the consultant is expected to put forward suggested actions and recommendations for UNOPS to further strengthen its value proposition within HSSR. This should be presented in a final project report including the mapping and incorporating all input, comments and revisions from UNOPS. The consultant may be asked to participate in presentations to the appropriate leadership.

Competencies

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

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational 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/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced Degree (Master’s Degree) preferably in Public Health or related field.
• A First University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with a minimum of twelve (12) years’ qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years experience in health system strengthening, preferably in a developing context, or related areas is required.
• Of which 5 years experience of working on HSS in the context of Low and Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and or Middle Income Countries (MICS) is required.
• Deep understanding of HSS 6 building blocks and key trends and challenges in relation to health systems in LMICs and / or MICs is required.
• Knowledge and insight into infrastructure, procurement, fund management, project management and HR services and their role in relation to HSSR is an asset.
• Good understanding of policies and regulations regarding HSSR development partner perspective including government, donor, UN, multilateral organizations would be an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and oral English is a requirement
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is an advantage

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: I-ICA 3

Contract duration: Short-term ICA – Maximum duration 3 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

More information on retainer contracts:

• A retainer ICA does not accord any exclusivity to the Individual Contractor with respect to the Services listed in the job description. UNOPS shall have no limitation on its right to obtain Services of the same kind from any other source at any time.
• A retainer Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor may be required intermittently.
• A retainer ICA will specify a unit price (e.g. amount per day actually worked). For budgetary purposes, a monetary limit will be specified at the time the ICA is awarded and issued.
• UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of Services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA.
• Payment will be made only after completion of work (if any) or reaching agreed milestones.
• UNOPS Individual Contractors must comply with the standards of conduct required of a UN civil servant, when carrying out their official UNOPS responsibilities and also all other times. This includes the standards of conduct set forth in the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin of 9 October 2003 entitled “Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse” (ST/SGB/2003/13) and the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin of 18 June 2002 entitled “Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission” (ST/SGB/2002/9) as they may be amended from time to time.
• UNOPS Individual Contractors must comply with all applicable UNOPS policies and instructions. This includes the obligation to declare any outside activity that could result in an actual or perceived conflict with the interests of the UN; as well as to refrain from using information gained through the UNOPS Individual Contractor Agreement contract for the Individual Contractor’s own purposes or to help a third party (unless the information is already in the public domain), in particular but not only in relation to procurement of works, goods and services.
• UNOPS Individual Contractors must abide by UN safety and security policies, instructions, directives, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• The standard terms and conditions of the UNOPS ICA as of the present date can be found at https://content.unops.org/HR-Documents/ICA_contract/Annex-A-ENGLISH.pdf
• Given the nature of this position, particular attention should be given to section 11 on Confidentiality.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.