International Health System Strengthening Consultant
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to provide technical assistance to UNICEF Philippines and the Philippine Department of Health to integrate child-centered health systems strengthening into primary health care, with a focus on vulnerable communities. The role will support strengthening primary health care within existing government mechanisms, develop climate adaptation interventions in the health sector, and generate evidence aligned with the child-centered agenda. Additionally, the consultant will assist UNICEF Philippines in knowledge management and evidence-based monitoring and reporting, contributing to the 9th Country Programme for Children (CPC9) objectives. The goal is to reinforce streamlined and uninterrupted service delivery with quality, addressing the complex challenges faced by decentralized health systems in the Philippines, particularly in fragile, conflict, and violent settings like BARMM.
Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance to UNICEF Philippines and the Department of Health to integrate child-centered health systems strengthening into primary health care, focusing on vulnerable communities. Support the strengthening of primary health care within existing government mechanisms, such as PuroKalusugan and Health Care Providers Networks. Develop and support climate adaptation interventions within the health sector. Generate evidence that aligns with the child-centered agenda and contributes to the 9th Country Programme for Children (CPC9). Assist UNICEF Philippines with knowledge management and evidence-based monitoring and reporting. Collaborate with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health system strengthening initiatives. Contribute to the development of strategies and policies that enhance maternal and child health, nutrition, and immunization programs. Analyze health system challenges and propose innovative solutions to improve service delivery, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas. Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among health professionals and government counterparts. Ensure that interventions are responsive to the specific needs of children and address the intersectionality of health with climate, environment, and other sectors.
Work Experience
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public health, international health, global health, maternal and child health and nutrition, climate change in health, or environmental health. Experience in applying health systems strengthening to child health in complex contexts, and in knowledge management and evidence generation. Experience working with the Philippine DOH is required.
Skills
Health systems strengthening, Primary health care, Climate adaptation for health, IMCI, Public health research, Evidence generation, Result-Based Monitoring and reporting, Project/program management, Stakeholder management, Knowledge management