Consultants template
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Iraq is supporting the Ministry of Health to develop a National Digital Health Strategy for 2027-2031. This initiative builds on previous efforts and recent advancements in digital health within the country, aiming to create a comprehensive, implementation-oriented strategy aligned with national health priorities and global standards.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert technical and strategic guidance to the Iraqi Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, to develop the Iraq National Digital Health Strategy 2027–2031. This involves creating an integrated, prioritized, and costed implementation action plan. The role will leverage existing strategies and recent digital health progress, ensuring national ownership, robust governance, improved interoperability, and long-term sustainability. The strategy will align with Iraq's health system priorities, Universal Health Coverage goals, and WHO's global and regional digital health frameworks, addressing key areas like digital infrastructure, AI, and emergency preparedness.
Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and synthesizing the 2023 draft strategy, national policies, and recent digital health developments to identify strategic gaps. They will compile international best practices and WHO/ITU tools to support the confirmation of the strategy's vision, objectives, and structure. A key responsibility is drafting the Iraq National Digital Health Strategy 2027–2031, covering governance, interoperability, data management, cybersecurity, financing, AI, and stakeholder participation. Additionally, the consultant will develop a prioritized, costed implementation action plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Finally, they will facilitate technical consultations, validate the strategy with stakeholders, and finalize all documentation for national endorsement.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in digital health, health information systems, or health sector strategic planning is required, including proven experience in developing national digital health strategies and implementation plans. International experience in low- and middle-income countries is essential. Experience in enterprise architecture, interoperability, data governance, cybersecurity, costing, and monitoring and evaluation is highly desirable.
Skills
Excellent communication, facilitation, and coordination skills; strategic analysis, planning, organization, and report-writing abilities; project management, time management, teamwork, and consultation skills; ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable policy and implementation plans; expert written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.