Consultant - Healthcare Financing Strategy 2026 - 2030

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Lao PDR is supporting the Ministry of Health to strengthen sustainable health financing amidst a severe economic crisis. This involves addressing high inflation, currency depreciation, and a significant gap between allocated and provided health budgets. The role is crucial for developing a Health Financing Strategy (2026-2030) to ensure essential health services and advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Lao PDR to advance health financing reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency, equity, accountability, and sustainability of the health system towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This will be accomplished by developing the Health Financing Strategy for 2026-2030, aligning it with the 10th Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP) and addressing current and future health challenges. The role is critical in navigating the country's economic crisis and preparing for donor transitions, ensuring continued access to essential health services and improving the health system's resilience and preparedness for emerging threats.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide in-country technical support to the Department of Planning and Finance (DPF) of the MOH. Key responsibilities include reviewing the existing Health Financing Strategy (2021-2025) and incorporating feedback from national stakeholders and development partners. The consultant will facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, develop a summary of these consultations, and draft strategic objectives and priority activities for the new strategy. A primary deliverable is the development of a draft Health Financing Strategy 2026-2030, which will be finalized based on feedback from the WHO HSD team, national stakeholders, and partners. Monthly progress reports detailing deliverables and timelines are also required.

Work Experience

Requires over ten years of experience in health financing, health economics, or social health protection within development contexts. The role also necessitates the ability to interact effectively with government counterparts.

Skills

Sound understanding of health financing, health economics, or social health protection in development contexts. Strong quantitative skills, including statistical analysis. Excellent writing and communication skills. Ability to engage effectively with government counterparts.

Explore related opportunities