Health Governance & Financing Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to international public health, operating in 194 Member States. In Somalia, the WHO Country Office works within a complex environment, supporting the Federal Government's National Transformation Plan and health sector strategies. Its mandate includes strengthening resilient health systems, advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through improved governance and financing, and building institutional capacity. The incumbent will contribute to enhancing accountability and policy dialogue.
Job Purpose
The UNV Specialist will provide crucial technical guidance and policy support to the WHO Country Office in Somalia, focusing on strengthening health systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Working within a dynamic and complex environment, the role aligns with national health strategies and WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy. The incumbent's contribution is vital for improving health sector governance, sustainable financing mechanisms, and institutional capacity building. Key responsibilities include enhancing accountability, supporting health resource tracking, and facilitating policy dialogue to ensure health governance and financing priorities are integrated across all health clusters, ultimately contributing to more resilient health systems in Somalia.
Responsibilities
The UNV Specialist will support the development, review, and implementation of national health policies, strategic plans, and legal frameworks to enhance health sector governance and accountability. This includes providing technical assistance for designing and implementing health financing strategies, focusing on resource mobilization, financial protection, and tracking mechanisms like National Health Accounts. The role involves facilitating high-level policy dialogues among government, donors, and partners to align priorities. Additionally, the Specialist will guide capacity-building programs for health ministry officials in leadership, management, and budgeting, and support the creation of evidence-based knowledge products and investment cases for sustainable domestic health funding. Establishing and supporting a community of practice or technical working group for health governance and financing in Somalia is also a key duty.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in health governance, health-system strengthening, public-sector reform, or health financing is required. Hands-on experience in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in fragile or post-conflict settings like Somalia, is essential. Proven technical skills in health financing reforms, cost-analysis, public financial management, and policy drafting are necessary.
Skills
Key competencies include effective communication, respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, fostering integration and teamwork, and producing results. The role requires adaptability in a changing environment. Additional expertise areas include communication, advocacy, public information, emergency preparedness, and crisis response.