Coverage and Equity Advisor

The Nepal Health Sector Support Programme 3 (NHSSP 3) had begun in March 2017 as the technical assistance (TA) component of FCDO’s Nepal Health Sector Programme 3 (NHSP3), and included two TA components, the General Health Technical Assistance (GHTA) to support the federal MoHP to deliver its Health Sector Strategy 2015-2022; and the Retrofitting and Health Infrastructure TA (RHITA) to MoHP and Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) to support the retrofitting and rehabilitation of two priority hospitals in earthquake affected areas. A no-cost extension for the programme was confirmed recently, to provide support for completion of retrofitting of the two public hospitals, and to enable essential components of health reform in the context of federalism. The no-cost extension is referred to as RHITA+ reflecting this dual purpose and will be delivered by Options UK.

The health systems strengthening component of RHITA+ will mainly have a sub-national focus and provide support for the early implementation phase of the new Nepal Health Sector Strategic Plan, 2022-2030. The federal constitution mandates local governments to deliver the Basic Health Services package (BHS) and provincial governments are now responsible for most of the referral services. Support is required to enable these sub-national governments to strengthen their capacity for governance and accountability, and to provide quality health services which everyone can access without financial burden.

Options Consultancy Services is seeking to hire a qualified professional to fulfil the position of Coverage and Equity Advisor.

Responsibilities:

The objective of this post is to provide effective technical inputs to the MoHP/DoHS to enable them to deliver against the objectives of NHSP 3, especially as regards improving the equitable coverage of maternal and newborn health and family planning services. The post-holder will be responsible for the support to designing, roll-out and monitoring of SMNH interventions that are aligned to Universal Health Coverage goals.

Person specification:

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Advanced degree in Nursing or Public Health with a clinical background (i.e. BN, BSc Nursing)
• Significant and proven experience (at least 9-10 years) in the development and implementation of programmes within the health sector, and strengthening the government health system, preferably in Nepal
• Strong technical knowledge of maternal and newborn health and family planning and familiarity with the latest advancements in the field particularly with a view to improving health system performance on coverage of services.
• Experience in delivering services on issues affecting women’s health and access to services in Nepal, (e.g. ANC/PNC, childbirth services, LARC services, etc.)
• Good experience in communicating evidence effectively to better inform SMNH and FP/SRH planning, decision-making, advocacy and accountability within the government.
• Knowledge of international best practices and goals on SMNH, FP/SRH, Universal Health Coverage, FP2020, MPDSR and similar global initiatives
• Knowledge and experience in working closely with supporting/implementing health programmes with measurable outcomes (preferably large-scale TA programmes)
• Deep understanding of the operations of the Govt of Nepal, MoHP, MoSD/PHD, and familiarity with all spheres of government.
• And relevant skills, attributes and other requirements are mentioned in the Terms of Reference (ToR)

Benefits:

Options offers a comprehensive benefits package including festival bonus, gratuity, insurance packages etc.

Other information:

• As an equal opportunity employer, Options Consultancy Services is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage or civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Options Consultancy Services.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and postholders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, promote diversity and inclusion, are energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Nepal