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 the 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.

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.

• Proactively support government and build capacities of officials at each level of governance to effectively use the data systems for planning and decision-making purposes.
• Support the implementation of data systems, by identifying the capacity needs, supporting any orientation and training of stakeholders to adopt the improved systems on a regular basis for programme and policy planning.
• Provide substantive technical inputs to identify gaps in evidence on SMNH and FP/SRH issues, and help build such evidence that supports piloting any high impact packages these services in selected areas and with specific population groups; leading on operational research and any evaluations needed to improve services to achieve LNOB goals.
• Support policy development and strengthening at the MoHP level from a D4D perspective, through active engagement with stakeholders within the ministry and across the relevant divisions of the DoHS.
• Support analysis and writing of any technical outputs and payment or non-payment deliverables as assigned and collaborate with the other members of the RHITA+ team as required in a timely and proactive manner.
• Identify, monitor and report any risks arising to the programme delivery; and under the leadership of the RHITA+ Team Lead contribute to managing and addressing risks.
• Adopt a “one team approach” to the delivery of the programme, consistently work towards achieving the cross-cutting objectives of building resilience and improving the equity and quality of the Nepal health system while Leaving No-One Behind.
• Work collaboratively with all RHITA+ members at the federal and sub-national levels to ensure consistency and quality of the programme delivery.

• An advanced degree in Public Health, Demography, Social Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies (PhD preferred, or Masters with several years of experience)
• Significant and proven of experience (at least 8 - 10 years) in monitoring and evaluating of programmes within the health sector, proactively engaged in evidence-building and supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making, and strengthening government health system, preferably in Nepal
• Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, operations research, health management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to process and analyse data using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following: SPSS, Epi-Info, Stata, MS Access
• Knowledge of the issues affecting women’s health and access to services in Nepal
• Knowledge and experience of 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, and familiarity with all spheres of government.
• 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.

Application process

• To apply, please fill in the form
• The closing date for applications is: 18th January 2023
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
• Please note that this role will be subject to full pre-employment background checks including criminal record check, identification check, employment references and right to work verification (where appropriate)
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application at your earliest opportunity

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 post holders 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.