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.

The aim of this post is to provide effective technical inputs to the Provincial Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and its associated departments - the Provincial Health Directorate (PHD), the Provincial Health Logistics Management Centre (PHLMC) and the Health Sections of selected local levels to enable them to deliver against the objectives of NHSP 3, especially improving policy performance at the sub-national level through better formulation and implementation of new and existing policies, at the Provincial and Palika level. The Provincial HSS Lead will work closely with the RHITA+ federal team at sub-national levels and oversee its technical delivery to ensure thematic priorities are met

• Advanced degree in Public Health Policy / Public Health Management / Public Administration or a related field Or Basic Degree in the subject area with substantial work experience in public health
• Significant and proven experience (at least 10 years) in the development and implementation of programmes within the health sector, governance and strengthening of the government health system in Nepal
• Strong technical knowledge of governance, accountability and transparency issues within the health sector and familiarity with the latest advancements in the field particularly with a view to improving health system performance.
• Knowledge of monitoring/critical analysis of planning and budgeting in the health system
• Knowledge of the health PFM system and Public Procurement in Nepal
• Experience on communicating evidence effectively to better planning, decision making, and accountability within government.
• Deep understanding of the operations of the Government of Nepal, MoHP, MoSD and PHD 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.